19/02/2023
Mr. Rogers was an amazing man of faith. He demonstrated it through his acceptance, kindness, and gratitude toward all people. He acted in unconditional love.
Some of us growing up in Christianity heard a lot about unconditional, but were taught and shown conditional love. I mean, how is it an unconditionally loving God will grant you free will, yet condemn you to eternal hell if you do or don’t do X, Y, Z? Sure, there’s repentance, but the message that was received was you’re a sinner, you’re bad, and you need to be better.
What kind of growth do we expect from someone who believes they’re innately bad and need saving? No wonder so many experience low self-esteem, codependency, perfectionism, and people pleasing…or even the exact opposite: inflated ego, hyper independence, carelessness, and callousness.
Now imagine the growth that can happen when you believe that you are loved, your worth and value doesn’t change when you make mistakes or misguided choices, and you’re whole just as you are. It opens the door to resilience, accountability, and authentic connection.
Love yourself as you are. Meet yourself with kindness, curiosity, and compassionate understanding so that you may rise above whatever it is holding you back from living a life that is more fulfilling and meaningful for YOU.
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