The Effort to Embrace Love

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8 We are valued by God and possess intrinsic worth. As we work towards becoming the individuals we aspire to be, it’s essential to approach this journey with self-acceptance rather than shame. It’s important to understand that our identities are not determined by our actions, our possessions, or what others think of us. Embracing love for ourselves requires intentional effort!  One positive way to build our lives is by acknowledging the work we can undertake to become our best selves. It’s helpful to view this work as something we “rent” rather than own, reminding us that it’s a part of a continuous journey. While it may seem daunting at times, the beauty