Loving ourselves?

There are two types of loving yourself. One is conceited, prideful, and arrogant thinking you are better than everyone, which is sin. Second there is naturally loving yourself and being thankful for what God has made. You will not find in scripture bible verses to love yourself. Why because it is nature to love oneself. Naturally we love ourselves so Scriptures teaches us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. On the other hand, Scripture does warn us about self-love. Our focus should not be on ourselves. We must trade self-centered love for agape love. Loving yourself too much shows selfishness and arrogance which God hates. It leads to self-criticism and the sin of boasting. Take your eyes off of yourself and look at the interests of other people.

Psalm 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; and marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: Proverbs 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: He that keepeth understanding shall find good. Mark 12:31 And the second is like, namely this, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF. There is none other commandment greater than these. Leviticus 19:34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. James 2:8 If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF, ye do well: Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord. 2 Timothy3:1-2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. Proverbs 21:4 A high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin. Proverbs 18:12 The King's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favor is as dew upon the grass. Proverbs 16:5 Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Don't focus on yourself, but instead focus on the great love of God that He loved us so much He sent His one and only begotten son that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but may have everlasting life. Focus on the awesome Love that God has for us. 1 John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us. Ephesians 2:4-5 But God who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (By grace ye are saved;) Psalm 36:7 How excellent is His lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. Romans 5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Think of others as more significant than yourself and treat them with the highest of regards. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind lest each esteem other better than themselves. Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Many times we have been taught to love ourselves and cherish ourselves, in order to love others. I realize and know this is the truth. We must first love ourselves as to love and appreciate all that God has made us to be, not in a conceitful sinful way but however a way of healthy living, we must see that our true self and identity is only found and defined in the Lord Jesus Christ the living word. Often we may become very self destructive, perfectionistic, legalistic, traditionalistic, and religious. It is a personal daily walk with the Lover of our soul, not a check list of how to earn anything because it cost a great price, salvation was not free. Jesus gave His blood to reconcile us back to God. God gave His only son for us, what are we doing to appreciate and live and respect this in our lives? Are we fulfilling the Great Commission? Are we grateful? Are we investing in others? This holiday season may we all see the truth of living a grateful life for the Kingdom of God. Let us not fail in loving others and leading them to know and grow in the Lord Jesus Christ. Love you all so much.