Learning How To Love Yourself

Picture of Pottery that has love yourself etched into it for learning how to love yourself

Have you ever wished you were created differently? Maybe you’ve struggled with low self-esteem and longed to be someone else, thinking that’s the key to learning how to love yourself.

Perhaps it’s your body image that troubles you—your looks, height, hair color, or skin tone. Or maybe it’s the lack of popularity, where you come from, or your personality that you wish you could change.

Some people wish they weren’t so boisterous and could be quieter, while others dream of having the courage to speak up and stand out. Whatever it is that causes you to struggle with self llove, have you ever considered that God created you exactly how He wants you to be?

Have you ever considered the lack of self-love is kind of telling God that what he created wasn’t good enough? That He didn’t create you right the first time and things need to be fixed?

We are fallen humanity, therefore we do need to be saved and our sinful nature fixed. But for this article, we are talking about the way God specifically created us as individuals, with talents and a purpose for our life.

Understanding Self-Love

Let’s take a moment to talk about self love. For this article, self-love means recognizing your self-worth and embracing the unique person God created you to be.

Yes, there are things we can work on. We can strive to keep our bodies healthy, dress nicely, and present ourselves well. Freshly washed and moisturized skin, styled hair, and using some cologne or perfume can help us feel confident.

But when it comes to the talents, traits, and qualities God gave us, some things are unchangeable by design.

Created with a Purpose

Have you ever thought about the fact that God created you for a specific reason? He designed you intentionally, with every detail carefully crafted to serve His purpose.

Did you ever consider you were formed with a specific plan in mind and that God loves you the way you are and is counting on you to fulfill that purpose?

The Story of Amy Carmichael

Amy Carmichael was a little girl who desperately wanted blue eyes instead of her brown ones. She later became a missionary to India and realized that if she had blue eyes, she wouldn’t have blended in with the people she was ministering to—a difference that could have cost her life.

God’s design protected her and enabled her to fulfill her mission.

A Personal Life Story

When I was young, there was a lot I didn’t like about my own life. I disliked my name, body type, personality—everything.

I spent my childhood wishing to be someone else, and that followed me into adulthood to some degree. The feeling of “not being good enough” lingered for a while.

This saddens me because I had a lot of negative self-talk brought on by the enemy of my soul to keep me down along with negative thoughts about a lot of things that were beautiful in my life.

If I could have just accepted who God had created me to be in that present moment, I could have broken out of my comfort zone and had a lot more fun. I would have made more of a difference in people’s lives that surrounded me.

Have you ever felt this way? Like you’re not good enough just as you are?

Social media tends to have this effect on our lives in different ways these days. It seems like we can never measure up to the high standard of others, forgetting the happy life God blessed us with.

Do you find yourself wishing you looked, acted, or measured up differently? Let me tell you, this is a trick of the enemy.

He tries that strategy on a lot of us. His goal is to keep negative emotions and inadequacy at the forefront of our minds taking our inner peace.

The Enemy’s Lies

The enemy of your soul wants you to feel unhappy, questioning why you are the way you are. He doesn’t want you to see your value or fulfill the purpose God has for you.

Let’s clarify something: If you’re struggling with bad habits, negative attitudes, or destructive behaviors, those are things to be forgiven and to work on with God’s help. But when it comes to the way God designed you—your unique traits, appearance, and personality—He made you for a reason. Don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise.

God Is the Master Potter

Imagine a master potter crafting vessels of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Each one has a purpose: one might be slender and tall, holding a single rose to bring joy to a family member, while another might be wide and round to carry water to quench thirst.

Some vessels He creates are bold and attention-grabbing, while others are plain but serve practical, behind-the-scenes vital roles.

learning how to love yourself pottery colorful and plain

What if the wide vessel refused to carry water because it wished to be slender and hold a rose? Or the colorful pot hid away because it didn’t want to stand out?

Each would miss its purpose.

God is the master potter, and you are His masterpiece. He has lovingly handcrafted you with a unique purpose in mind. Your personality, appearance, and spirit were all designed for His specific plan.

You Were Created for a Purpose

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (NLT).

And Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (KJV).

God doesn’t make mistakes. The enemy may try to make you feel unworthy, but God formed you with intention and love. He created each of us with a plan in mind and a purpose to fulfill.

How to Find Your Purpose

First, you need to connect with God and be saved from your sins to start discovering His purpose for your life. Only through a loving relationship with Him can you begin to see yourself the way He sees you: as His cherished creation.

Next, seek His guidance in discovering your unique role. Embrace the truth that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, and let go of the lies that hold you back.

Friend, you are God’s masterpiece. Learning to love yourself may not seem easy, but when you can see yourself the way he sees you it makes it easy to step into His incredible purpose for your life.

Learning to Love Yourself In A General Sense

Let’s pause for a moment and clarify what it means to love yourself in a general sense.

Personal Time With God:

First and foremost take care of your spiritual wellbeing by making devotions a daily practice or habit. Spending time with Jesus allows you to lay your burdens at His feet and share what’s on your heart.

This brings mental and heartfelt relief and reminds you that He is there to guide you and help you manage the challenges in your life.

Getting Enough Sleep:

When we do not get enough sleep we are grouchy and not the best version of ourselves. But when we get enough sleep it goes a long way in putting us in a better mood and we are able to handle our day better.

With lack of sleep comes the grouchy and then it’s easy to lose patience with others, creating tension in our relationships. Ultimately, it can leave us feeling frustrated not only with those around us but also with ourselves.

Set Boundaries:

Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with others is vital. Know when to say no and create space for your well-being without guilt.

Mental Health:

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Whether it’s seeing a doctor for help or carving out quality time alone (especially as a mom), prioritizing mental health leads to healthier relationships with your kids, family, and everyone around you.

Healthy Relationships:

Healthy relationships are key. Whether it’s a good friend who prays for you, loves you, and offers encouragement, or someone who uplifts you with positive affirmations and prayer, surround yourself with people who inspire and support you.

A strong, caring relationship includes honesty and accountability while helping you grow closer to the Lord.

Build Healthy Habits:

Taking care of your body is an act of self love. Build healthy habits like regular exercise and eating well.

When we neglect our physical health, it’s easy to feel ashamed or dissatisfied with ourselves. God created us to work hard, care for our bodies, and take pride in our own wellbeing—not in a boastful way, but with a healthy confidence that reflects the effort we’ve put into caring for His creation.

Practice Gratitude:

Gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating self love. Reflect on the good things in life that God has done for you, from your health and the gift of another day to a roof over your head and the precious people in your life that surround you (kids, grandkids, family, and friends).

Overview:

Now that we’ve established a few general ways to love yourself by meeting your own needs, let’s remember this doesn’t give us a pass to ignore others’ needs. Learning to love yourself well equips you to love others the way you want to be loved, creating a ripple effect of kindness and care.

Conclusion: Learning to Embrace God’s Design:

Friend, learning to love yourself is a journey of faith, trust, and gratitude. It starts with recognizing that you are God’s masterpiece, handcrafted with love and intention.

When you choose to embrace and love the unique person He created you to be, you’re honoring His perfect design.

Yes, there will be challenges. The enemy will whisper lies, and the world will try to convince you that you’re not enough. It will try to press you into its mold and convince you that you need to be something different than you are.

But the truth of God’s Word reminds us otherwise: You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and He has good plans for your life (Jeremiah 29:11).

Learning to love yourself doesn’t mean ignoring your flaws or pretending to be perfect. It means taking care of the person God created—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—so you can step confidently into the purpose He has for you.

Learning how to Love yourself physically emotionally spiritually

Continue to allow him to mold you and shape you throughout this life growing in the areas you need work in.

It’s about practicing gratitude, building healthy habits, and surrounding yourself with relationships that uplift and encourage you in the Lord.

Most importantly, it’s about turning to Jesus daily, laying your burdens at His feet, and trusting Him to guide you.

As you grow in His love, you’ll find it easier love yourself and others. Remember, you are loved beyond measure by the One who designed and created you.

By learning how to love yourself you will embrace His design, live with purpose, and let His love shine through you to bless the world around you.

You’ve got this—because He’s got you.

Understanding Self-Love