Ito naman ang pangalawa, “Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng pag-ibig mo sa iyong sarili.” Wala nang ibang utos na hihigit pa sa mga ito.

Marcos 12:31

Pangit. Bobo. Masama ang ugali.

These are not-good ways to describe someone, no matter who or what they are. Christian ka man o hindi, alam mo na mali na tawaging pangit o bobo ang isang tao. Hindi rin tama na basta na lamang sabihin na masama ang ugali ng isang tao. Masakit ang mga salitang ito. We show others kindness, respect, and love by not using such labels.

But how many times have you used those same hurtful words on yourself?

Pangit ako eh. Hindi kasi ako maganda o guwapo.

Ang bobo-bobo ko talaga! Hay!

Kaya siguro ayaw nila sa akin kasi masama ang ugali ko.

What do you think Jesus would say if He heard you say such things about yourself? Sabi ni Jesus, “‘Ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya ng pag-ibig mo sa iyong sarili’” (Marcos 12:31). Nagpapakita ka ba ng pagmamahal sa iyong sarili when you say negative things about yourself? It is not wrong or bad to love yourself. In fact, Jesus says that we must love others as we do ourselves — not love others more (baka idolatry na yun!) or less than we do ourselves.

Maybe there are some things that we do not like about our appearance, or something we need to change about our character. But let‘s not hate or punish ourselves for those things. Instead, let us steward the gifts that God has given us — our body, mind, and soul — and show ourselves respect and care. Sabi sa Bible, “Walang taong namumuhi sa sarili niyang katawan. Sa halip, ito’y kanyang pinapakain at inaalagaan, tulad ng ginagawa ni Cristo sa iglesya” (Mga Taga-Efeso 5:29). Alagaan natin ang buong pagkatao natin, in our thoughts, words, and actions toward ourselves.

Brother or sister in the Lord, remember:

Hindi ka pangit. You are wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Hindi ka bobo. God can give you the wisdom and understanding you need (James 1:5).

Hindi masama ang ugali mo. You are a work in progress, slowly being changed by the power of God for the better (Ephesians 4:22–24).