Relationships: Knowing Your Worth

This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. -William Shakespeare

I could write a book about knowing your worth and not accepting any type of behavior that is given to you. Wait a minute. I am writing a book about it. The Road that Brought Me Here is coming soon. But in the meantime, I will share a snippet with you. I spent many years allowing much mistreatment against me as it pertains to relationships romantically and friendships. Letting men speak to me in any way, cheat on me, and talk down to me. I even changed my character and behavior to adapt to what they wanted me to do and be. I lost myself, who I was, and who I was supposed to be to feel accepted. It wasn't until after my divorce that the Lord began to minister to me about my worth, what I am, and who I am to Him. Once I got that revelation, I did not take any mess from any man or woman. If people did not treat me the way God said I should be treated, they were out. PERIOD THE END! Who does God say that you are? For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139:13-15 ESV Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7 ESV But God shows his love for us in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 ESV

The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3 ESV

These are just a few scriptures describing what God thinks of us and how He feels about us. I have made up my mind that I will only allow people in my life who will mimic God's love for me, and I will not accept anything less than that. You must know that if God loves you and treats you with care and compassion, then His desire is for those around you to do the same. He says He knows the plans He has for you, thoughts of GOOD, not of EVIL, to bring you to your expected end. So, if the people around you are not being good and leading you into God's plans, then they do not need to be in your life. Always surround yourself with people that will build you up and not tear you down. So carefully evaluate your friendships and relationships, looking for God's love in them. If you can't find Him, you don't need them!