YOU SHALL LOVE YOURSELF – OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

BIBLE PASSAGE: PSALM 139:13-18.

[13]For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.

[14]I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

[15]My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

[16]Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

[17]How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

[18]If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

INTRODUCTION: Each human being is uniquely created by God. Despite the variations in complexions, sizes, heights, etc., there is something special that stands each person out and makes the individual different from others; you are special. You are a treasure and a neatly wrapped package which is uncommon in every sphere. You have been designed and configured by God for a reason; you are not a victim of circumstance, irrespective of the incident that may surround your birth or family. Love yourself for who you are; because you are exceptional and in God’s plan.

OUTLINE:

1. A MASTERPIECE

2. SELF-AFFECTION

A MASTERPIECE

Every human creature is distinctly moulded (Isaiah 64:8) by God who is the Chief Sculptor. He ensures that there are differences in humans. This is why as small or big as your thumb may be, there is no thumbprint that is the same as your own. Between any two humans, the amount of genetic variation (biochemical individuality) is about one per cent. Your voice pattern and DNA is like no one else. The hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:30) and the colour is divinely created (Matthew 5:36). Humans also possess the creative ability of God Almighty (Exodus 35:30-33), especially with a brain that is like a supercomputer with about 100 billion nerve cells which affords humans to think and are motivated by their instincts, intellect and logic. The brain controls “lower” or involuntary activities e.g. heartbeat, respiration and digestion. It also controls “high order” such as thoughts, reasoning and abstraction. The human brain is regarded as being more capable of these higher-order activities than any other known species. Studies show that the human brain processes about 70,000 thoughts per day. Also, the human nose varies from person to person.

SELF-AFFECTION

As a human being, it is important to love and respect yourself. Avoid comparing yourself to others (2 Corinthians 10:12); instead, strive to be the best version of yourself while learning from others. Recognise your unique identity as a distinct personality (Psalm 139:14) and put your best effort into life’s pursuits (Proverbs 12:24). Seek wisdom (Proverbs 16:16), be a good team player, be proactive and always encourage yourself (1 Samuel 30:6).

Loving yourself involves taking care of your physical and emotional well-being. Dress well, look good and stay cheerful (Proverbs 15:13). Take care of your surroundings (Deuteronomy 23:13-14), eat healthily, exercise (1 Timothy 4:8), sleep well (Ecclesiastes 5:12), and eliminate negativity such as bitterness (Ephesians 4:31), envy (Proverbs 14:30), and toxic relationships (Proverbs 13:20). Stay positively engaged (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Furthermore, love God passionately (Deuteronomy 6:5) and nurture your relationship with Him daily (2 Peter 3:18). Remember not to elevate any human above God, as true self-love involves recognising God’s supreme position in your life.

CONCLUSION: Loving yourself is recognition of your uniqueness as God’s creature to fulfil your purpose in life.

QUESTIONS:

1. Identify four distinct things that make you God’s Masterpiece.

2. State three major ways to be affectionate towards yourself