The Power of Love

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self- discipline.

Growing up in diet culture as a young girl, my ability to suppress my appetite and ignore hunger pains was alarmingly good. I used to pride myself in my strong sense of “self-control” when really I was just really good at self-harm and not taking care of the temple I was entrusted with. My sense of self-control became an identity of self-righteousness. When I began to surrender this bad habit, I stopped relying on pride and my own strength to master self-discipline.

Suddenly, discipline became subtle and effortless because it was coming from a place of love and care. I began to see my value as a creation differently and wanted to take care of the life and body I had been blessed with. This created more balance and harmony in my life. I had to be honest with God and tell Him my deepest secrets, biggest fears, and most hidden shame. I had to connect with my Creator to learn how to take care of His creation. I started to see self-discipline as a gift for prospering rather than as a destructive habit. At the root of all we do as Christians, there should be the driving force of love. When I exchanged my vanity and pride for love, I flourished.

Questions:
In what areas do you need to replace self-harm with God’s love? How can you view your body, job, identity, limitations, etc… as a blessing to nourish and give thanks for rather than to be critical of? How can you redefine success to mirror the image of God and His version of success?

Prayer: Lord help me to love your creation – including myself – in the same way that you love what you have created. Help me to develop a stronger sense of self-esteem so that I behave in a way that reflects the truth that you hand-crafted me and perfectly placed me on this earth for your purpose. I pray that, at the root of all of my words and actions, there will only be love. In Jesus’ name, amen.