Love Yourself Despite Yourself

Context. It is the setting in which an event or conversation occurs that helps to explain it. Context is essential for complete understanding and is necessary for clarification of statements and events in order to prevent confusion. So I think it is fair to say that when we are feeling misunderstood, we are frustrated or that something is generally awry, we should look at the context before we react.
Everything I do needs to be in the context of this fact.
I am a sinner saved by grace.
 I pray you are too! It’s a great place to be!
So when I foul things up, be it parenting, friendship, marriage or any number of things, it is helpful to remember that context. And all I need to do is get into the Word to be reminded.
When the voices of condemnation start murmuring, and the whispers of my conscience become deafening, am I looking at the situation in context of my position with God in Christ? Or am I drawing false conclusions due to what and who this world says I should look, act and feel like? There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1d
So, I say a few bad words in a rage of impatience. And I feel crummy.  Instead of wallowing in guilt, I am convicted to repent and then I can bask in forgiveness. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
I get frustrated with someone for not behaving or reacting in a certain way, and I begin to judge. Then I feel like a hypocrite. I am compelled to remember my context, and theirs. I am always fighting my flesh, and the Word of God is my most effective weapon. And of course they are loved by God the same as I am. as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; Romans 3:10
I slack off on my devotion time. I am disengaged and fighting darkness. Then God reminds me that He never leaves me or forsakes me. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 7:26
 We are all on a journey, none of us perfect. When I fail, I will remember my context.  I will rejoice in redemption and give grace.
So remember your context. Know who you are and to whom you belong. Be sure of your status in Christ and what that means. You and I are on a journey. We will rock it when we shake the negativity of worldly context and the unrealistic expectations social media inundates us with. We will thrive when we accept the fact that we are In Christ. I need only compare myself with the best version of myself. The woman I am destined to become; the woman He created me to be. And although our context can be skewed at times, He never has a warped view of us. He made us. We are His. He is ours.
 Have a blessed day...and love yourself, despite yourself!