3 Reasons You Don't Love Yourself Enough

1. We Still Haven't Forgiven Ourselves for the Past

So many of us experience feelings of shame and guilt from our past. My friend Dr. Steve Brand explains the difference between shame and guilt that makes so much sense. Shame is saying, “I’m a bad person.” Guilt is saying, “I did a bad thing.” We all make mistakes but it doesn’t mean you are a bad person. Accept Christ’s forgiveness and stand up tall like the person He created you to be!

Watch for the temptation to feel bad about things of the past. Remind yourself that you can do nothing about any of it. But, what I have forgiven is forgiven, says the Lord. Don't dig up old trash that makes you feel terrible about yourself. You are God's child, His chosen. Go forth in the power of His love to seek righteousness every day.

2. We Compare Ourselves to Other Women

It's natural to notice other women and what we like about them. When you see someone who totally has it together, we may even ask ourselves, "What's wrong with me?" The truth is...she doesn't have it altogether. None of us do. On Facebook we see the "Highlight Reel," of all the BEST moments of someones life. This does not show us their struggles, their fears, and when the cry alone at night. We would be astounded if we knew the truth of what women are dealing with in their lives. Sometimes we look at other women and actually feel jealous. Jealousy is counting someone else's blessing instead of your own. On the flip side... I hang out with women who I admire so I can learn from them. If you know a friend who is exceptionally kind, learn from that. It's okay to emulate qualities that you admire in other women. Just don't compare yourself because God made you unique!

3. We Allow the Enemy's Lies into Our Heart

Satan puts evil thoughts in our minds. They are LIES. He will tell you that you are unworthy, that God won't answer your prayer because you don't deserve it, and every other evil thing he can plant in your mind. Satan is always on the alert. He is looking for weak places in our defense system; he is eager to take advantage of any opening we might give him through a lack of watchfulness. That's why we read where the Apostle Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan knows your weaknesses in your own heart and will use those against you.

But God has another plan. And that is to equip you with spiritual courage to take authority over the lies Satan sends to your heart and mind. When negative thoughts come, do this: Say out loud the opposite of what lies he is offering you to ponder upon. Say out loud, "I am forgiven," "I am loved by God," "God calls me beautiful, "God has gifted me with talents," "Go has a plan for my life." Put Satan under your feet where he belongs.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28