Day 63 -Kingdom Kindness
Have you ever noticed how much tougher we are on ourselves than we are on literally anyone else? It's such a common habit, right? But what if the usual way of trying to improve ourselves is actually holding us back?
We're always hearing about pushing through, building grit, and relentless effort. And yeah, those things are totally valuable. But there's this quiet, often overlooked superpower that's way more effective for building true, lasting strength: self-compassion.
For so many of us, when we mess up, hit a snag, or just feel a bit down, our first reaction is to be super critical of ourselves. We tell ourselves we're not good enough, we should've done better, or we're just falling short. The common belief is that this harsh inner critic motivates us, keeps us sharp, and pushes us to improve. But what if that belief is actually doing the opposite? What if it's holding us back?
When we consistently beat ourselves up, it's doing more harm than good. That harsh inner critic weighs us down. It can lead to more worry and sadness, make it harder to find solutions, zap our drive, and even cause physical strain. On the other hand, self-compassion—which is just treating ourselves with the same kindness, understanding, and acceptance we'd offer a good friend—can lift us up.
This isn't about letting ourselves off the hook or ignoring areas where we can grow. Instead, it's about embracing our shared humanity. It's about understanding that being human means being imperfect, struggling, and yes, sometimes even falling short. It's about realizing that these experiences actually connect us, rather than making us feel alone.
The Foundation
If the idea of self-love and self-kindness feels unfamiliar or even uncomfortable because it wasn't part of your foundation growing up, you're not alone. But here's the beautiful truth: with Jesus, we can excavate those shattered pieces and build a brand new foundation with Him as the cornerstone of our life.
His love isn't something we earn; it's freely given, an unending wellspring of grace that's always there. When we welcome His love into our hearts, it transforms our understanding of ourselves. We begin to see ourselves not through the critical lens of our past mistakes or shortcomings, but through His eyes – as deeply loved, infinitely valuable, and full of purpose.
This divine love empowers us to extend the same grace to ourselves that He so freely offers. It teaches us that compassion isn't weakness, but a profound strength rooted in recognizing our worth in Him. This is truly Kingdom Kindness – extending the principles of God's love and grace not just outward, but inward to ourselves.
As we close out this week, let's take a moment to reflect. Perhaps it's been a tough one, or maybe filled with victories. Whatever your experience, remember that you are worthy of kindness, especially from yourself. When we approach ourselves with compassion, we tap into a deeper truth: that we're inherently valuable, deserving of grace, and endlessly capable of growth.
Self care and compassion is not about being weak; it's about finding a source of strength that flows from a place of unconditional love, not fear.
Weekly Affirmation
I make peace with my gentle resilience, trusting my inner strength to navigate life's currents with grace.
Somatic Space
Wrap your arms around yourself and give yourself a gentle squeeze. Notice the feeling of warmth and comfort. Breathe deeply into your own embrace, offering yourself tenderness.
Daily Scripture & Application
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." — Colossians 3:12
Just as we are called to show compassion to others, we are also called to extend that same grace and kindness to ourselves, especially during difficulties. This is a divine clothing.
Journal Prompts
What does being kind to yourself during difficulties actually look like for you today?
How has self-criticism in the past hindered your ability to bounce back?
Write a compassionate letter to yourself about a recent challenge, offering the kindness you'd give a dear friend.
