Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Have you ever heard a despondent person say that they hate themselves? Some will say that they hate themselves because they are ugly, or untalented, or because they always do the wrong thing or are always failing. Now, isn’t that a silly thing to say that one hates oneself because everything seems to be going wrong. It is a confusing lie from our enemy. Family and Friends, if one really hates oneself, one would be happy when everything is going wrong and sad when good things are happening to them. Someone who hates you wants bad things to happen to you and are pleased when they do. If you hate yourself then you would be happy when bad things happen to you and would even likely look to place yourself in harm’s way, for hates sake. We would not cry over our hurt and harm but rejoice in it. No the problem is not that we hate ourselves, but that we love ourselves too much and love each other too little.
If we hated ourselves why would the Lord tell us to love others as we love ourselves? (Matthew 22:39) He has told us to love each other (John 13:34-35; 15:12) and taught us not to hate each other. (1 John 4:20, 1 John 3:15). We are encouraged to show our loving to others more by bearing each other’s burdens. (Galatians 5:2). So our problem is not hating ourselves, but loving ourselves too much. We want control of our lives, we are the only one we trust with our lives. We trust ourselves more than we trust God. What does that say about us? Yes, we love ourselves, and usually, too much.
Let us be tender and encouraging to each other (Ephesians 4:32), but don’t be quick to believe that they actually hate themselves. Lead such a person to Jesus. Remind them of eternal truth that they already know, but have lost sight of. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! …” (1 John 3:1) Encourage each other to encourage each other. (Hebrews 10:24) Let us not acquiesce to be unwise and believe lies, but to hold onto the truth. Hold to the truth and allow the love of God to bring healing to the despondent. In doing that we please the Father. Share Jesus out of love. He is always the answer. Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will Hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, Oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 – The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.