“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

We know that an admirable quality is being kind to others. But have you ever thought about being kind to yourself?

Honestly, I really hadn’t until a few weeks ago.

I was allowing adverse thoughts to have their way with me, and they were not producing life and peace. Then one day, this thought occurred to me: “You would be kind and compassionate to others. You would forgive others. Why not be kind to yourself? Don’t allow these thoughts to rob your peace and joy!”

I mean, I’ve always known God loves me. I’ve “known” the verse that says the greatest commandment is to love God and the second greatest is to love others as I love myself. But “knowing” something and “living” it are quite different. God really wants me to love myself! Not in a selfish way where I put myself above others, but I should love others AS (at the same time, in the same way) as I love myself.

It seems like a simple thought, but it’s been profound to me and increased my quality of life. A small change in trajectory can create a big difference in destination. Peace or anxiety? Gratitude or regret? Hope or despair? Judgment or mercy?

Be kind to yourself

Give mercy and grace

As you would to others,

Be kind to yourself.

Matthew 22:37, Ephesians 4:32, 2 Timothy 2:24, Galatians 5:22, Colossians 3:12-13, Philippians 4:8-9.