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Learning to Love Myself as God Loves Me

February 23, 2026

Leviticus 19:1-2, 2:1-18| Matt 25:31-46|Psalm 19:7-14

“You shall not hate in your heart anyone of your kin; you shall reprove your neighbor, or you will incur guilt yourself. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.”
 — Leviticus 19:17–18

This passage reminds us of the deep importance of love and empathy—both toward others and toward ourselves. I often find it far easier to forgive other people than to forgive myself. My shortcomings linger in my mind, and I feel guilty about them long after the moment has passed. When I’m frustrated with myself, I sometimes take that frustration out on those closest to me. Lately, the phrase “think before you speak” has been echoing in my heart.

We are called to love others, but it is nearly impossible to do that well when we struggle to love ourselves. I sometimes believe that my shortcomings define me as a person. Yet Jesus would disagree. Jesus loved everyone for who they were and saw the goodness within each one of us. To truly love my neighbor as myself, I must learn to extend that same grace and compassion inward.

No one is perfect; we all struggle in one way or another. Loving ourselves is not about ignoring our faults, but about recognizing that God sees us with mercy, patience, and hope—even when we fail to see ourselves that way.

This Lent, I am committing to practicing more self-love and empathy. When I fall short, I want to respond with understanding rather than criticism. I want to pause, think before I speak, and offer myself the grace I readily offer others. I believe that by showing myself even a little more compassion, my relationships with God and with others will grow stronger.

God sees goodness in each of us. This season, I am learning to see it too.

Anna Pilkington