Self Reflection

     To even began to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord & Savior, we must first examine ourselves. 

     We have acknowledge our Self Worth because Jesus died on the cross for us (John 3:16). But have you accepted who you are?

     In our journey to self acceptance we must first recognize our strengths and our weaknesses. Being fully honest about what you consider (not others) your strength and weakness will help you better understand yourself.  Remember all weaknesses are not a fix it project.  Recognizing a flaw within yourself and being content with it is just as important as being content with your strengths.  WE ARE NOT PERFECT!!!!!  But if you believe you have a weakness that needs fixing work on it but make sure its your need to do or be better not someone else belief.   

     If ice if left out in the heat it melts, because heat is not a good environment for ice.  So to must you keep a good and positive environment around yourself.  Negativity will cause great harm to the spirit and must be kept away from you.  If they are not for you, they are against you and you must stay away from them.  Sadly this sometimes include family.  You can love them but if they are causing harm to your spirit, love them from afar. 

      Forgiveness is often talked about in Christianity but what is not talked about enough is SELF FORGIVENESS.  People often say I regret what I did, I regret what I said, I regret I did nothing.  But in your regret did you forgive... yourself?  Personally I don't believe in self regret.  I believe our mistakes of YESTERDAY lead us to try to change the PRESENT to be better TOMORROW.  Without the mistakes of yesterday, how will we learn and grow to be better then we were.  In order to do that we must: 1.  First recognize the mistake.  2. Accept our part in the mistake. 3. Take accountability for our role in the mistake. 4.  DO NOT PLACE BLAME OR POINT OUT OTHERS ACTIONS IN THE MISTAKE.  5.  Recognize other solutions that would have developed a better outcome.  6. A mistake is about learning what NOT to do, so learn from your mistake so you DON'T repeat it.  At the end of the day we are human and react/respond with human emotions, thoughts and actions.  So forgive yourself for being well … HUMAN.  

     So a few people may disagree with me on this and before you do, please read and think about what I am saying.  A lot of people say we shouldn't compare ourselves with others but the truth of the matter is we do and we will.  It's a unintentional habit.  But the thing not to do when we compare ourselves to others is to find ourselves lacking.  Yes they may have a better job but your happy with your job and they are not.  So they got a new car but yours is paid off.  Comparison is a true human habit just remember you are beautiful and wonderfully made as well.  

    We are often our own worse critic but we need to flip that and be our own cheering squad.   Pat yourself on the back, treat yourself for a job well done,  buy your own gift card, send yourself your own roses.  Do not require others to give you your accolades.  God gives those every morning when He bless you to open your eyes.  

     Having Self Acceptance will strengthen you self esteem, help develop positive displays of emotion and bring freedom from the approval of others and the burden of others expectations.   When we accept ourselves for who we are and better ourselves on our own terms we live a happy life. 

Scripture to Meditate on for Self Acceptance:

Psalm 139:13-14         2 Corinthians 10:12

2 Corinthians 5:17      1 Samuel 16:7

Genesis 1:27                 Romans 5:8

Acts 10:34-35               2 Timothy 1:7

Ephesians 1:6                Isaiah 43:1

Isaiah 41:10

2 Corinthians 12:9-10