Friday November 18, 2022

Love yourself and love others

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You will love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12.31

I like the balance that is in this commandment. I like the interdependence that must exist between the love of ourselves and the love of others.

There can be an excess in self-love, which can make you touchy and proud, which puts us at the center, and drives others out.

David Augustin de Brueys, a 16th century theologian wrote : "Love of self is the microscope which magnifies before our eyes our own virtues and the faults of others."

It is right that we have a good and healthy self-esteem, without forgetting others. In Philippians 2:4, the apostle Paul writes : "Let each of you, instead of considering your own interests, also consider those of others."

Another version of the Bible reads : "Put your individuality aside and help others move forward. Don't be obsessed with pulling the blanket to yourself. Disregard yourself long enough to lend a helping hand to others."

Loving as God asks of us is when our self-love does not make us forget others.

Zig Ziglar, consultant and speaker, often said : "You can have anything in life if you take the trouble to help others achieve their own goals."

May my love of myself not make me forget others, but on the contrary may it be enriched by the love I give to others.

Listen the voice of God

Now live this moment of intimacy with your Heavenly Father. Feel his gentle presence surround you. Let Him reveal to you how to love your neighbor as yourself.

To pray is to speak to God in all simplicity and confidence. Here is an example of a prayer : "Lord, help me to live this great commandment in my daily life. May your love fill me to the point of overflowing on all the people around me. My life is as valuable in your eyes as that of my neighbour. That we may all be for one another! In your precious name, amen !"

Praise God

Isn't it wonderful to be connected to a God who overflows with love for you ? So where you are, start praising Him with all your heart, leaving all distractions behind. Praise him for your life and for that of all those you meet. God is worthy to receive all your worship !

Act today

What are you going to do today to concretely show your love to your neighbour ? Observe all the people around you, those you meet throughout your day, the Holy Spirit will guide you and push you into action !

Honor the Lord

Our journey for the day ends. Let us pray together to honor our God.

"Thank you Lord for this precious teaching. I want to love my neighbor as you have loved me! Yours be the kingdom, the power and the glory, amen !"

Paul Calzada

Source (The Thought of the Day)