How to Learn to Love Ourselves as Christians

[Rachie]

Hi all, I thought I would create this post. Last week at church I attended a church group during Lent that is on different topics. Last week the topic was on How to love ourselves as Christians. I really wanted to listen to this topic and I thought it was really important to me as I struggle in this area quite a bit at times. As a neurodiverse person as well and having other conditions I can struggle as well like if I feel I slip up due to a sensory meltdown and it affects my behaviour and I may feel I fall short and can find it harder to love myself at those times and to forgive myself.

I did ask a question about loving ourselves with conditions towards the end and mentioned about autism around 27 minutes in but the entire video may be helpful still to some people. The Bill Bailey exhibition sounds quite interesting to me as well and the person mentioned also. They did give me permission to record this as well.

Also, was mentioned about Psalm 139 which I love about how God knows all our ways. Isaiah 43 was mentioned also how we are called by name from God and that we all are important to God. I wanted to say as well just a few days ago a thought came to my mind and said-we will separate you from your conditions as I feeling a bit downcast from an overwhelming episode and that today really reassured me that God will separate us from our conditions to judge us.

I am still listen to the video which I created for the church. If I pick up more notes and thoughts to I will post about them later.

Anyway, I hope some of you do enjoy the video.

 

[NB79]

I have problems with guilt, and some kind of scrupulosity, sometimes i blame myself when its not my fault, i know is not like that and God accepts me and forgives me, but i can't help myself

 

[Neonatal RRT]

You hear this talk of "religious guilt" and it seems to be a common phenomenon. The "Jesus died for our sins." narrative, as if it were your personal sin, but alas, it might better be interpreted in a broader sense. Guilt, in this context and perspective, gives us an opportunity to reflect and do better. However, within the context and perspective of someone on the autism spectrum, it can take on another dimension because many of us have an underlying low dopamine, low serotonin, associated depression. Sometimes mild, sometimes severe, but this can cause us to be in a state of rumination. These repetitive thoughts, even talking about them, can make "mountains out of molehills" and push us deeper into a mental health crisis. Inward thinking is rarely good.

Outward thinking. Thinking of others. Giving. These things should be emphasized in religion. Sure, you have your relationship with God, but also your community, your family, your significant other. Happiness and a sense of love, for many, comes from your relationship with others. This is a struggle for many of us on the spectrum because we are often marginalized in ways, by others and from ourselves.

Accepting, valuing, and loving yourself for who you are is a process and needs to be practiced every day. Have a sense of humor. Give yourself some grace. Distract yourself away from rumination by doing something for others.