Embracing Self-Love as a Spiritual Journey: My Guide to Loving Yourself as God Made You

Friends, this week on Sheila’s Take I opened my heart to talk about something that has been a real, sometimes messy, but always meaningful part of my own walk with God: self-love.

Now, when I say self-love, I don’t mean the fluffy affirmations or surface-level fixes we often see. I mean the kind of love that’s rooted in truth—God’s truth. The kind that challenges the voice of comparison, quiets the critic in your head, and helps you live as the person He already created you to be.

If you’ve ever wrestled with feeling “not enough,” I want you to know—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to earn or chase worthiness. God already called you worthy.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from my journey that I shared on the podcast. My hope is that they’ll give you practical tools and spiritual encouragement for your own walk toward authentic self-love.

1. Root Your Worth in God’s Truth, Not Your Feelings

One of the scriptures that anchors me is Psalm 139:14: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

On the days when I don’t feel wonderful, I have to remind myself that my feelings don’t change God’s truth. And His truth is that I was created with intention and care. So were you.

Try this: Memorize Psalm 139:14 and whisper it back to yourself every time your inner critic gets loud. Journal about what being “fearfully and wonderfully made” means for you, and pray for the courage to see yourself the way God already sees you.

2. Start Small: One Kind Step at a Time

I’ll be honest—there have been moments when I sat in my car, overwhelmed and waiting for a breakthrough. But what I’ve learned is that breakthroughs don’t always come in fireworks. Sometimes they come in one small act of kindness toward yourself.

Try this: Choose one gentle act of love for yourself today. Maybe it’s resting without guilt. Maybe it’s speaking kindly to yourself in the mirror. And then celebrate it—because even tiny wins matter.

3. Give Yourself Permission to Go Slow

Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” That verse reminds me that my journey doesn’t have to be rushed. Growth is a process, and God isn’t done with me yet.

Try this: When you feel behind, pause and remember—God’s timeline is perfect. Breathe. Trust. Take the next step.

4. Speak Kindly to Yourself

Here’s a confession: I’m great at encouraging other people, but I’m still learning to encourage myself. Maybe you can relate.

The way you talk to yourself shapes the way you see yourself. So, practice speaking words that line up with God’s truth.

Try this: When negative thoughts rise up, counter them with scripture. Write yourself a note the way you’d write to a friend. Say out loud: “God delights in me. I am a work in progress, and that’s okay.”

5. Protect Your Peace with Boundaries

For a long time, I thought saying no was selfish. But I’ve learned it’s actually an act of love—both for me and for others. Boundaries allow me to show up with my whole heart.

Try this: Identify what drains you and give yourself permission to step back. Practice saying no without guilt. Protect your quiet time with God like it’s sacred—because it is.

6. Stop Comparing Your Journey to Others

This one’s tough for me. I’ve looked at other women and thought, “I’m behind.” But Romans 12:2 reminds me not to conform to the world’s patterns.

Your story isn’t supposed to look like anyone else’s. Comparison only steals your joy.

Try this: Limit your scrolling if social media fuels comparison. Write down the unique gifts God gave you and thank Him for them. When you’re tempted to compare, pray for contentment.

7. Celebrate Small Beginnings

Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

God delights in every step you take toward loving yourself. Even the smallest acts count.

Try this: Keep a “self-love wins” journal. Write down your growth—big or small. Visualize God smiling at you as you take each step.

Weekly Challenge: Intentional Acts of Love

This week, I challenged listeners to do four small but powerful things:

• Write down one thing you’re proud of each day.
• Look in the mirror and say, “I’m learning to love you.”
• Set one boundary that protects your peace.
• Spend a few quiet minutes with God every morning.

These steps might feel simple, but they build a foundation of love that’s rooted in God’s truth—not fleeting feelings.

Remember: You Are Right on Time

I want to close with this: You are not behind. Your journey is unfolding at exactly the pace God intended.

Self-love isn’t a finish line; it’s a daily walk with the One who made you. And every step matters.

I’m proud of you for showing up—for being willing to take that next step. I’m walking this journey right alongside you.

✨ If this message resonated, I’d love for you to subscribe to Sheila’s Take so you don’t miss future encouragement. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made. And that’s more than enough.

Blessings on your journey,
Sheila