On the surface today’s verse appears pretty straight forward, but when I read it I wonder, “What if I don’t love myself?” For those who haven’t learned how to love and accept the beautiful creation they are, obeying this commandment may seem impossible.

For those who have been deeply hurt over a long period of time, told they were unlovable, or abused, love is often distorted. For years, I believed love always had a price and it usually included pain and submission to things I didn’t want to do. So, I had no clue how to love myself let alone truly love someone else.

Ironically, my perspective changed because someone loved me “as they loved themselves.” When I experienced unconditional love, I gradually understood what Jesus meant in this verse and started to love myself. Only then could I begin to love others the way Jesus taught us to love.

I’m still a work in progress, for sure, but I’m better equipped now that I understand what unconditional love looks like.

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