What does the Bible say about loving yourself?

The concept of loving oneself is often misunderstood and can be a contentious topic within Christian circles. Some may mistakenly equate self-love with selfishness or narcissism, while others might see it as an essential aspect of mental health and well-being. To understand what the Bible says about loving yourself, we must delve into the Scriptures and examine the principles that guide us in this area.

First and foremost, the Bible emphasizes the inherent value and worth of every individual as a creation of God. In Genesis 1:27, it is written, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This verse establishes the foundational truth that every person is made in the image of God, imbuing each of us with intrinsic worth and dignity. Recognizing this truth is the first step in understanding the biblical perspective on self-love.

Jesus Himself affirmed the importance of loving oneself in the context of the Great Commandment. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus responds to a question about the greatest commandment by saying, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Here, Jesus implies that loving oneself is a prerequisite for loving others. To love your neighbor as yourself, you must first have a healthy understanding and appreciation of your own worth and value.

This brings us to an important distinction: loving yourself in a biblical sense is not about self-indulgence or placing oneself above others. Instead, it is about recognizing and embracing the value that God has placed upon you. It is about seeing yourself through God's eyes and understanding that you are a beloved child of God, worthy of love and respect. This perspective aligns with the Apostle Paul's teaching in Romans 12:3, where he writes, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

Thinking of oneself with "sober judgment" means having a balanced and realistic view of oneself. It involves acknowledging both your strengths and weaknesses, understanding that you are a work in progress, and recognizing that your worth is not based on your achievements or failures but on God's unconditional love for you. This balanced perspective is essential for healthy self-esteem and self-love.

Furthermore, the Bible encourages self-care and the nurturing of one's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." This passage highlights the importance of taking care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. It implies that self-care is not only permissible but also a way of honoring God.

However, self-care and self-love must always be rooted in humility and service to others. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This teaching reminds us that while it is important to care for ourselves, our ultimate goal should be to serve and uplift others. True self-love, from a biblical perspective, leads to greater empathy, compassion, and service.

Christian literature also provides valuable insights into the concept of self-love. In his classic work "The Weight of Glory," C.S. Lewis writes, "To love ourselves as God loves us is to have a true and humble self-acceptance, recognizing our worth in His eyes and our need for His grace." Lewis emphasizes that self-love should be grounded in the recognition of God's love for us and our dependence on His grace. This understanding fosters humility and gratitude, rather than pride or self-centeredness.

Moreover, the Bible addresses the dangers of self-hatred and low self-esteem. In Psalm 139:14, the psalmist declares, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." This verse serves as a powerful reminder that self-hatred is contrary to God's view of us. When we despise ourselves, we are essentially rejecting God's handiwork and denying the truth of our creation in His image.

The story of Gideon in Judges 6 provides a vivid example of how God addresses low self-esteem. When the angel of the Lord appears to Gideon, he is hiding in a winepress, filled with fear and self-doubt. The angel greets him with the words, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12). Despite Gideon's initial objections and feelings of inadequacy, God sees his potential and calls him to a great mission. This narrative illustrates that God often sees more in us than we see in ourselves and that He equips us to fulfill His purposes despite our insecurities.

In practical terms, loving oneself biblically involves several key practices. Firstly, it requires regular reflection on God's love and grace. Meditating on Scriptures that affirm our worth and identity in Christ can help counter negative self-perceptions. Passages such as Ephesians 1:4-5, which speaks of being chosen and predestined for adoption as God's children, can be particularly encouraging.

Secondly, it involves cultivating gratitude and contentment. Recognizing and giving thanks for the blessings and gifts God has bestowed upon us fosters a positive self-image and a sense of fulfillment. Philippians 4:11-13 speaks to the importance of contentment, with Paul stating, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances... I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

Thirdly, it requires seeking forgiveness and extending grace to oneself. Just as we are called to forgive others, we must also forgive ourselves for past mistakes and shortcomings. 1 John 1:9 assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Accepting God's forgiveness allows us to move forward with a renewed sense of self-worth and purpose.

Lastly, loving oneself biblically involves engaging in healthy relationships and community. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and encouraging individuals who reflect God's love helps reinforce our sense of worth and belonging. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another."

In conclusion, the Bible provides a balanced and holistic view of self-love. It teaches that loving oneself is not about selfishness or self-centeredness but about recognizing and embracing the value that God has placed upon us. It involves thinking of ourselves with sober judgment, caring for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and ultimately using our self-love to serve and uplift others. By grounding our self-love in God's love and grace, we can cultivate a healthy and humble self-esteem that honors God and fulfills His purposes for our lives.