Learning to Love Yourself: The Biblical Basis for Self-Love
Self-love is a concept that has gained popularity in recent times, with many people advocating for the importance of self-care and self-esteem.
It can be a difficult concept for some Christians to grasp. The idea of focusing on oneself can seem counter to what we were taught in church – to put others first, to consider ourselves the least among us.
But in fact, learning to love yourself is an essential part of being a healthy Christian. Jesus himself said the second most important commandment after loving God, was to love your neighbor as yourself. This implies that self-love is necessary in order to love others and fulfill God’s commandments.
While the term “self-love” may not be explicitly found in the Bible, there are several biblical principles that support the idea of valuing oneself. So, what does the Bible say about it? Let’s explore some of these key principles that form the basis for a biblical understanding of self-love.
Valuing Your Identity
The foundation of self-worth is recognizing that you are a beloved creation of God. In Psalm 139:13-14, it says “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.”
This passage reminds us that we were uniquely created by God with intention and purpose. We are worthy of being loved and respected simply because we exist and because of who we are; not because of what we do or how we look.
So often, we base our self-worth on external factors like our performance, appearance, or success. However, when we take our identities from these things, we set ourselves up for disappointment and feelings of inadequacy.
Instead, the Bible encourages us to ground our identities in who God created us to be. When we recognize our inherent worth as a beloved child of God, we can start to cultivate a posture of self-worth and compassion.
One of the most famous Biblical passages that touches on the idea of self-worth is Matthew 22:39, where Jesus gives the commandment to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’ In this verse, Jesus implies that loving oneself is not only acceptable, but crucial in order to properly love others.
Overall, the biblical basis for self-love is rooted in the principle of valuing oneself as a creation of God and loving oneself as a way to better love others. By showing ourselves the same kindness and compassion that we would offer to others, we can learn to live more fully in God’s love.
Caring for Yourself
Another aspect of self-worth is caring for your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. This can look like taking care of your body through fitness and nutrition, setting healthy boundaries in relationships, and spending time in activities that bring you joy.
These practices are not just beneficial for ourselves – they also equip us to better love and serve others. When we prioritize self-care, we become more aware of our own needs and limitations. This helps us to show up more fully and compassionately in our relationships, rather than running on empty and reaching burnout.
Jesus Himself modeled the importance of self-care. Throughout the gospels, we see Him taking time away from ministry to rest and recharge. He often went off alone to pray, or spent time with close friends and family. By taking these breaks, He was able to remain grounded in his relationship with God.
Identifying False Beliefs
One barrier to self-care can be false beliefs that we hold about ourselves. These can be stories we’ve been told by others, traumas we’ve experienced, or messages we’ve internalized from society.
For example, someone who was raised in a harsh or critical environment may struggle with feelings of unworthiness or self-doubt. A person who has experienced trauma may struggle with feelings of shame or guilt.
In order to combat these false beliefs, we need to identify them and replace them with the truth of God’s Word. This means actively working to reframe negative self-talk and seek out affirmations from Scripture and from others in our lives.
Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s Will is—His good, pleasing and perfect Will.” By actively seeking to renew our minds with the truth of God’s Word, we can learn to love ourselves and others more fully.
Learning self-care is not a selfish or self-centered pursuit. Rather, it is a critical piece of being a healthy and whole human being in Christ. By grounding ourselves in our identities as children of God, caring for ourselves, and identifying false beliefs, we can cultivate a posture of self-care that enables us to better serve and love those around us.