Saints,
Indeed, this is a ticklish subject in a narcissistic age that we currently live.
Joining one of the two greatest commandments (to love God wholeheartedly), Jesus Christ states one other that Bible believing saints have most likely read numerous times:
The second is this, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31
If you’re anything like me and most folks, we zero in on the “neighbor” part, since the Good Samaritan is the story He unfolds in another gospel account to illustrate.
But there’s a comparison that He makes in this passage that in many circles of teaching has been roundly minimized, even neglected. Loving yourself.
I’d submit for your consideration a couple of reasons, among others in my opinion, for this neglect. We’re constantly told we need to die to self, even daily. Just crucify the flesh. You know the routine. How many years have we all been basically unsuccessful in doing that? Because we’re already crucified, buried, and resurrected! Jesus already makes us holy…we’re sanctified by faith. It’s done.
This mistaken doctrine of having to continuously ‘die’ often in the serious soldier of Christ produces a type of ascetic, minimal joy, somewhat robotic, keep on dying, “aw-shucks-I’m-just-a-low-down-Romans-7-sinner.” How can you deeply love someone like that, especially when it’s yourself? But this is a flawed and dangerous view of a new creation made in the image of Jesus, and commanded in love to walk exactly like Him (1 John 2:3-6).
Another reason is the extreme indulgence of self in the American and western culture, mirrored almost perfectly in most church groups. Labeled New Age self-love, it has a bad name in evangelical circles, and for good reason. So we cautiously avoid putting together the words “self” and “love” in the same phrase or breath. But throwing the baby out with the bathwater never solves anything. This, too, is an inaccurate view.
By the way, here’s a huge part of the Good News of the Gospel! As we said above, we’re already crucified and dead, since we’ve been “baptized into His death,” then “resurrected to newness in life,” a new creature in Jesus! Dead to sin and alive to God (Roman 6:11). Hallelujah! He did it all. (Romans 6, 8, etc.) Just believe it and walk worthy in this victory.
No temptation is too great, for just boldly come to the throne of grace for help in time of need. Jesus promises to deliver us from sin – every time (1 Cor. 10:13-14). Walk holy, flee from idolatry this passage also proclaims.
In Ephesians 5:28-30, Brother Paul teaches us a husband who loves his wife “loves himself.” He goes on to state “no one” hates himself, but rather “nourishes and cherishes” (provides and protects) his own flesh (physical body). How much more, then, for our spirit and soul?
And that is the essence of all love: to protect and provide.
Since we’re triune beings: body, soul, spirit…then it stands to reason that these are three distinct areas where our Lord God can help us to love ourselves in a holy way.
There are many clues in the Word about loving yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit and He will faithfully reveal them to you. He’ll also help you love yourself the right way, in serving His Body through all the one-another exhortations and admonitions.
Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Your friend and brother in fighting the good fight,
Marc
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Saints, we’re one day closer to Home, and Him! Love Him wholeheartedly!
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You may view our Archives here: MONDAY MANNA – ARCHIVES; Complete Archives. May our Father richly bless you with His grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in order to walk worthy of His name.
Please comment on this post right below. Feel free to write and proclaim your leadings in the Spirit in an honorable fashion.
Marc White, Director, Walk Worthy Ministries, www.WalkWorthy.org
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