February - Self Compassion
Show Yourself Some Love this Month
February invites us to slow down and soften — not just toward others, but toward ourselves. Yet for many, the idea of self-compassion brings discomfort. We’re quicker to extend grace outward than inward, believing kindness must be earned.
But self-compassion isn’t about excusing weaknesses. It’s about recognizing our humanity and allowing God’s grace to meet us there. We’re often taught that growth comes from pushing harder, being more disciplined and correcting every flaw. So when we fall short, our instinct is not kindness, but criticism.
Healing begins when we stop fighting ourselves and start caring for the person God already loves.
Challenge:
Each day write something you love about yourself and tape it to your mirror. Each morning, as you get ready for the day, look at yourself in that mirror and read each paper to yourself. Practice seeing yourself as God sees you — worthy, loved and growing. End each evening by reflecting on one thing you did well or handled with grace.
So why is compassion so hard to practice in our everyday life?
We live in a world where we are taught that approval is earned - through achievement, obedience, productivity or self-control. Embracing a heart of compassion feels risky - like we will lose momentum or become complacent.
More than that, compassion opens us up to vulnerability. We are accepting that we are human, limited and in need of grace. This leaves us feeling naked and threatened with no defensive protection.
There’s also a deeper fear that lies beneath that vulnerability - the fear that being compassionate means excusing sin and weakness. But God’s compassion shows us that He does not excuse - He restores.
Compassion doesn’t remove responsibility. It removes the shame and guilt.
The hardest thing humans can do is receive (and fully embrace) grace rather than earn approval. We don’t have to work for God’s love. Even amidst our flaws and failures, He shows us compassion in every phase of life.
Do yourself a favor and see yourself as who God made you to be: human.
Guided Reflection:
What would it look like to speak to myself the way God speaks to me?
How can I receive grace instead of trying to earn it?
How do my friends and family see me?
What does my body do for me that I take for granted?
