Until Christmas Day, the daily devotionals will follow the church’s “Light The World” campaign. I would love to hear how you and your family are lighting the world each day!
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39)
Sometimes as life gets crazy and hectic with small children, schedules, Christmas parties, and TO DO lists it is really easy to get stuck stressing about all our STUFF. At these times I find if I can get out of my self and serve someone else, it can really change my perspective. Things that seemed so urgent suddenly don’t seem so important and it is easier to let little things slide and focus on what is important–including an added measure of patience for my children and their antics.
However, we can’t forget the last two words of this very important scripture: “as thyself.” It is easier to love our neighbors than to love ourselves sometimes. But as much as it is important for us to serve others and treat them well, we must also treat ourselves well. We need to cut ourselves some slack and release the grip on our expectations of perfection–a standard we would never dream of holding someone else to. We need to see our own value and give ourselves some love. Only then will we be able to share that love with our neighbors.
Meditation/Journaling Prompt: What is your family doing to love your neighbors today? What can you do to allow yourself to love YOU, just as you are today?
