Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the second greatest commandment, which is to love your neighbor as yourself. Scripture even says to give one another preferential treatment above ourselves, and to give praise to whom praise is due. These scriptures hold a tall order. I realize you can only love in this manner if you love yourself. You can only truly love yourself if you have a revelation of God’s love for yourself. When I know I’m treated preferentially by God, I can be secure enough to promote my neighbor without fear for my place in life. I can live without jealousy or the need to put others down. Knowing who you are in Christ and that you are so personally and tenderly loved by the Father produces the fruit of loving yourself and living securely with all that concerns your life. From that place, flows the rivers of living waters that you give others. It all starts with getting to know that your loved.
If you find yourself critical and jealous and always fighting for your place and recognition, ask God to reveal His love for you and to show you who you are!! It’s a prayer He always answers.
TC