By Pastor Byron Copeland
Years ago, I had a profound and unique experience that left an indelible mark on my journey of faith. In a season of seeking a deeper connection with God, I encountered a moment of divine clarity. Whispers, loud yet gentle, resonated within me, unmistakably from the Divine: “You are valuable to me. Learn to treat yourself as a Child of God.” In that instant, I knew that these thoughts were a message from the Lord, for they shattered my preconceived notions about self-worth.
This revelation set me on a transformative path. It made me contemplate how our religious communities often grapple with the concept of self-care. Conflicting messages swirl around us, questioning whether we are worthy or worthless, whether we should nurture self-love or despise ourselves. There seems to be a misguided notion that diminishing ourselves is a sign of spiritual merit, but I questioned whether this aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God first and then loving our neighbors as ourselves. This revelation perplexed me: how could I truly love others with the compassion of Christ if I struggled to even like myself? This revelation compelled me to confront common struggles we face, such as shame, fear, insecurity, and subtle self-hatred.
Our beliefs about ourselves shape our actions, and I noticed this truth manifest in the lives of many struggling with addiction and destructive behaviors stemming from past traumas.
I discovered that my most potent weapon against unhealthy practices such as pride, destructive self-interests, and narcissistic patterns was recognizing my worth in God’s eyes and embracing myself as a new creation in Christ. I began to practice self-care, embracing rest, establishing boundaries by saying no when necessary, cultivating healthy relationships, and understanding that God’s love is a gift freely given, not something to be earned.
Today, I encourage others to embark on a spiritual practice of seeing themselves as God sees us. Jesus saw enough value in us to shed His Blood, therefore we should treat ourselves as Children of God.
The Pastor’s Place features columns written by a different area church leader each month. Call 940-728-8284 for more information.
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