The Apostle Paul instructed the believers in Galatia that they should love their neighbor as themselves. Actually, that command is reiterated throughout the Bible. But how do we do that? What does it mean to 'love yourself'?
In our Wednesday night IMPACT service, I shared on this. Loving yourself does not mean indulging yourself. A parent who indulges their child by giving in to their every whim and momentary desire is not demonstrating love. We struggle hard to empower our kids without becoming enablers. I believe it was Warren Buffet under-girded that sentiment when he instructed us to (paraphrased) "leave enough to your children for them be able to to do something but never enough for them to be able to do nothing." Many have extended family members...siblings...cousins...etc. who they have "bailed out" of situations, only to watch in frustration as that family member immediately dives into another situation.
This to say, when we love someone, the last thing we want to do is give in to everything they want. It isn't healthy. It isn't really love.
In the Gospels, just before the instruction to love your neighbor as yourself came the instruction to love God with all your heart mind and soul. It was the pattern for demonstrating love. It covered everything - spiritually, emotionally and physically. If you only love with a part of that mix - it isn't a true demonstration of love.
A husband can show his wife physical affection, but if he tunes her out emotionally, he does not give her total love. She can say she loves him, but if she continually reaches back in her mind or her actions toward another, she isn't complete in her love to him. In short, you cannot pick and choose how you love God or anyone else. He actually designed love to be perfected by a righteous and whole lifestyle - each part of you working in harmony.
So how do you love yourself? It involves the proper caring for yourself - spiritually, emotionally and physically. If you cater to indulgences in any of these areas, do are not positioning yourself in real love toward anyone - especially yourself. Physical vices bring harm to the body. Improper relationships tear at your emotions and of those around you. Lack of spiritual maintenance leads to spiritual weakness and failure. To love yourself means to guard each part of you. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from, it flows every issue of life."
My A. W. Tozer reading brought me across a checklist for this self evaluation. You can learn a lot by considering:
- What you want most
- What you think about most
- How you use money
- How you spend your leisure time
- The company you enjoy (not simply 'keep', but enjoy)
- Whom and what you admire (the belief system of your heroes will affect your beliefs)
- What you laugh at
Measure these things and they will begin to paint a picture of how you care for yourself -how you love yourself - and ultimately how you love God and others.
have a great day!
