Relationships matter: Part 2

BY PASTOR DORAL PULLEY

After our relationship with God, the second most important relationship is the relationship with ourselves.  Jesus stated two great commandments, “Love God with all your heart…and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:34-40).”

In Jesus’ commandments, there is an implied third commandment “Love yourself.” Although, we have been taught to put others before ourselves, the truth is that if we don’t take care of ourselves then we won’t be able to help others. We can only love others to the extent that we love ourselves.

1. Self-love is more than words. Self-love is demonstrated through our actions. We demonstrate our love for ourselves through Eight Self-Care Strategies:

2. Diet (eating the proper foods and drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day)

3. Intimacy (having quality relationships where we can be completely open and honest)

4. Rest (getting the right amount of sleep so that we can function at an optimal   

5. level)

6. Exercise (having a regular work-out routine at least 3 days a week for 30

7. minutes)

8. Check-ups (going to the doctors and the dentists)

9. Treating yourself (rewarding yourself for accomplishments both small and large)

10. Outward appearance (proper hygiene and grooming; looking our best)

11. Recreation (safe activities that we enjoy and healthy hobbies that are fun)

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, reinforced the principle of self-love by stating: “no man ever hates his own flesh but he nourishes and cherishes it (Ephesians 5:29).”