Reflection of Love - Encouragement Café - April 8
Reflection of Love
By Joan Walker Hahn
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6 NIV
Have you ever heard it said, “You are your own worst enemy?” I searched this quote and found it really can’t be attributed to any one person. Maybe it’s because we all have been our own enemy at some point in our lives.
Many women, including myself, have struggled with low self-esteem and/or depression. It’s too easy, sometimes, to look in the mirror at our reflection and think and say horrible things to ourselves. Know what I mean?
Sometimes when we are feeling all of those negative things, even our own friends and family cannot say enough nice things to encourage us.
So what do we do when we feel this way? I have a friend who once asked me a number of questions.
“Do you really believe Christ died for you?” Yes.
“Do you really believe what the Bible teaches?” Yes.
“Then if Christ loved you so much He died for you; if God’s Word says He loves you; if He calls you precious, a friend and His beloved child; then who are you to call yourself worthless, unlovable and useless?” Wow!
God can encourage us in ways that not even the human being we are closest to can. Proverbs 18:24 says it this way: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (NIV)
When we feel ourselves begin to think those negative thoughts and put down the person we see in the mirror, we need to reach for God’s Word. Remember that God loved us so much He sent His Son into the world for us. Read in the Old Testament of God’s faithfulness to His people, in spite of their times of wandering from Him. Read in the Psalms of how wonderful, vast and awesome are God’s thoughts toward us.
Read in the New Testament how Christ paid the penalty for our sin by dying for us. Read about how He loves us so much that He is preparing a place, right this moment, for us to spend eternity with Him.
Feeling better?
God Himself, through the Holy Spirit living within us, can encourage our hearts. Reading God’s Word reminds us that all His promises are faithful and true.
The next time you look into the mirror at your reflection, tell yourself:
“You are one loved lady!”
From Genesis to Revelation, we can see God’s hand. He created us and longs for our companionship. He sent His Son to die for us so that sin would not be able to separate us from Him. He has promised us an eternal home with Him so that we can worship Him forever.
What else could He possibly do to prove His love for us? Nothing. Allow the truth in God’s Word to encourage your hearts to know you are special and loved by Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. When this world tries to discourage me, help me remember who I am to You. I am loved. I am Yours. And as You encourage me through Your Word and the Holy Spirit, may I be an encouragement to others. Amen.
Casting Crowns "Who am I" Lyrics
For more encouragement, visit Joan at joanwalkerhahn.com.
© 2021 by Joan Walker Hahn. All rights reserved.
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