Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Loving oneself is a concept that, while not explicitly outlined as a command in the Bible, is implicitly understood through the broader biblical mandate to love others as oneself. This idea is rooted in the understanding that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and are therefore of inherent value and worth. The notion of self-love is often discussed in the context of maintaining a healthy self-respect and recognizing one's value in God's eyes, rather than promoting selfishness or self-centeredness. Biblical References The most direct biblical reference to loving oneself comes from the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself," which appears in both the Old and New Testaments. In Leviticus 19:18, the command is first given: "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This command is reiterated by Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing its importance. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus states, "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" This implies a standard of self-care and self-respect that is necessary to love others effectively. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, loving oneself is seen as recognizing and accepting the love that God has for each individual. Ephesians 5:29-30 provides insight into this understanding: "After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—for we are members of His body." This passage suggests that caring for oneself is natural and aligns with the care that Christ has for His church. Practical Application In practical terms, loving oneself involves acknowledging one's worth as a creation of God and stewarding one's life accordingly. This includes taking care of one's physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is important to differentiate between healthy self-love and the sin of pride or vanity. Romans 12:3 advises, "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." Challenges and Misunderstandings A common challenge in understanding self-love from a biblical perspective is the potential for misinterpretation as endorsing selfishness. However, biblical self-love is not about placing oneself above others but about recognizing one's value in God's eyes and using that understanding to love others effectively. Philippians 2:3-4 provides guidance: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly command self-love, it provides a framework for understanding the importance of recognizing one's worth and value as a creation of God. This understanding is foundational to fulfilling the command to love others as oneself, as it establishes a baseline of self-respect and care that is necessary for genuine love and service to others. Topical Bible Verses Psalm 139:14I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows right well. Topicalbible.org Library The Seventh Chapter: Loving Jesus Above all Things The Pure in Heart Loving Advice for Anxious Seekers Letter xxi. --Different Attractions of Grace. Of the Loving Fear of Spouses; a Continuation of the Same Subject. Of the Loving Recollection of the Soul in Contemplation. Impossible that Marcion's Christ Should Reprove the Faithless ... Of the Prophecies of the Old Testament in their visible ... Love of Ourselves and of Our Neighbor. Letter ii. --Interior Troubles. Resources How can a loving God send someone to hell? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is loving others often so difficult? | GotQuestions.org Is loving God an emotion, a feeling, or a decision? | GotQuestions.org Loving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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