Healing in His Love: Reclaiming Worth After Brokenness Part 2

Redeemed With Worth

Christ-centered self-respect means treating ourselves with the same patience, kindness, and dignity that God calls us to extend to others.

We ended Part 1 of Healing in His Love: Reclaiming Worth After Brokenness, asking the question, How can I love my neighbor as myself if I don’t know how to love myself? That question lingers because survivors of sexual abuse often feel love is conditional, broken, or unsafe. But God does not leave us without an answer.

Let me ask you this: What would it look like if you treated yourself with the same kind of love God calls us to extend to others?

Scripture does not leave us guessing what love means. The Apostle Paul gives us the clearest description in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV):

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Now imagine applying these words not only outwardly toward others, but inwardly toward yourself. Survivors of sexual abuse often show compassion to others while being harsh with themselves. But what if we used this passage as a mirror to reshape the way we see and care for ourselves?

Here’s what it looks like when I apply this scripture to my own healing journey:

• Love is patient: I choose patience with myself in the slow, often messy process of recovery. Mistakes are not the end of the story but part of my growth.

• Love is kind: I speak tenderly to myself, replacing shame-filled thoughts with truth about my identity in Christ. Speaking to myself in a loving way, and not allowing my inner dialogue to be that of the critical parent.
  Love does not envy: I release comparison, trusting that God has equipped me uniquely with gifts and purpose.
  Love does not boast, it is not proud: I don’t need to prove my worth; Christ has already secured it.

• Love does not dishonor: I refuse to live in cycles of shame or allow others to disregard my God-given dignity. I quickly correct unhealthy coping patterns. I do not dishonor myself by allowing people to cross healthy, established boundaries I have set for myself.

• Love is not self-seeking: I do not allow selfish desires to become an avenue for sinfulness and self-destruction.

• Love is not easily angered: I give myself grace instead of criticism when I stumble.

• Love keeps no record of wrongs: I stop replaying past failures and choose to rest in God’s forgiveness.

• Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth: I reject lies spoken over me and rejoice in the truth that I am redeemed, beloved, and free.

• Love always protects: I protect myself by setting healthy boundaries for my body, mind, and spirit.
  Love always trusts: I trust God’s Word to redefine my identity and direct my steps.

• Love always hopes: I cling to hope that Christ is restoring what was broken and that wholeness is possible.

• Love always perseveres: I press on through setbacks, knowing God is faithful to complete the good work He began in me. Believing all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

This is not the shallow and seducing self-love of the world. This is Christ-centered self-respect—choosing to treat ourselves with the same dignity, grace, and compassion that God extends to us.

And here’s the beautiful truth: when survivors begin to live this way, shame loses its grip, healing takes root, and we are freed to love others in the fullness of Christ.

1. Which part of 1 Corinthians 13 is most difficult for you to apply to yourself right now?

2. What is one practical way you can practice Christ-centered self-respect this week?

Dear Lord, I want to live out 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; however, this can not be accomplished by my own efforts. I need the Holy Spirit to empower me to love God, others, and myself in this way. I am asking this day, Lord, please help me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.