Self-Compassion

“You are precious to me, and I have given you a special place of honor. I love you.” (Isaiah 43:4 ERV)

Our first dog was with us for twelve years before she passed away. She was beautiful, gentle, and smart, but we would have cherished her even if she had been ugly and dumb.  She was not a useful dog--she couldn’t guard the house, pull a sled, hunt, or herd sheep. Yet, she was precious to our family. We took care of her without any expectations that she would return the favor. She was loved and she knew it. 

Our dogs are significant, worthy, and valued--NOT because of their usefulness, beauty, impact, contributions, or productivity--BUT because they are loved. They don’t have to do anything special to prove that they are lovable. Even when they have accidents in the house and do inappropriate things, we quickly forgive them and move on. They are not expected to be perfect, improve, or make us proud. They are precious, worthy, and cherished as is. If only we could have as much compassion for ourselves as we do for our pets. 

What would that look like? 

We would realize that we are worthy, significant, and valuable--NOT because of our usefulness, beauty, impact, contributions, abilities, talents, wealth, education, gender, race, or nationality--BUT because we are loved by God. We do not have to do anything to prove that we are lovable. When we make mistakes, we would forgive ourselves and move on.  We would recognize that we are precious, worthy, and cherished as is.