Loving Self and Loving Others — A LifeWords Devotion

Loving oneself sounds so very egocentric, or even narcissistic. And yet we are commanded to love others as we love ourselves. We can presume this doesn’t mean worshipping the face we see in the mirror as the best guide to loving others. So, what is self-love?

It is having a proper regard for our own dignity and value before God. It is taking care of ourselves and not neglecting our own selves as we serve others. It is not being fond of ourselves or approving of all that we do. We can accept ourselves without always approving of all that we do. It is not patting ourselves on the back and telling ourselves how nice we are. We may dislike some aspects of ourselves and yet not despise ourselves.

And this gives us a guide as to how to love others. Loving my neighbour does not mean approving all they do. It does not mean I am fond of them or regard them as nice people. Rather I value them and treat them considerately, aware of their faults but not defining them by those faults. Much like we treat ourselves.

Loving others can include hating what they do, just as loving myself can involve hating what I do. In this way, we are set free to obey these commands without assuming they invite us to practise constantly fond feelings. This is a very down to earth sort of love.

Blessings

David