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Sorry to go off topic for this blog, but I wanted to put words to a thought I had today.
We all know Jesus’ famous words in Matt 22:36-40 when he was asked which commandment in the law is greatest:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Profound words, indeed. But I wonder how much the second command, “Love your neighbor as yourself” is less a command and more a statement of fact. In other words, I wonder if we could read that differently: “You will love your neighbor to the degree you love yourself.”
I don’t know about you, but I am most hostile toward those around me when I am most dissatisfied with myself. When I feel I’ve failed in some way, or if I have fallen short of some expectation, I tend to take out my frustration on others. In other words, when I have no self love, I fail to love those around me, or, better yet, I cannot possibly show love for those around me.
The great theologian, Jim Carrey, recently tweeted, “The biggest problem we have in the world is lack of self love. Every cruelty comes from those who don’t understand what they’re worth!” What a great way to reword Jesus’ simple phrase, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
We all need to practice self love a little better than we have. I’m not talking narcissism or some kind of inflated self image. I’m talking about an honest realization of a human being understanding that he or she is “fearfully and wonderfully made,” that he or she matters to the Creator, and that he or she is exactly who he or she was designed to be. If we can grasp this simple concept, love for others comes natural. It become the most natural expression of our love for God and our love for ourselves.
I guess you can look at it like a progression – a love of God produces a love of self, and a love of self fuels a love for others. When we love God and see God as a loving creator, we begin to value ourselves so much more. When we value ourselves more, we value those around us more. One leads to the next, and none can exist without the others.
Food for thought before we jump back into the discussion of homosexuality in the Bible.
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Good word. I saw Jim Carrey’s tweet and thought the same thing. I wonder what Michelle B will have to say about this?
Comment by Nelson April 10, 2010 @ 2:17 pmInteresting thought, Jon. I am also harshest with others when I’m least satisfied with who I am; more judgemental when I feel I don’t measure up; and exponentially less gracious when I forget God’s amazing grace toward me and for me. So glad you put it to words here.
Comment by julie May 5, 2010 @ 9:09 amMaybe it also goes the other way … you love yourself when you do a better job of loving your neighbor?
Comment by Jeremiah May 28, 2010 @ 4:02 pmJon,
Comment by G-MAN July 28, 2010 @ 6:07 pmWhat\’s up? How are you?
Are you on Sabbatical already?
I found some of this interesting reading…
Isn\’t \”self-love\” the main trait in mainstream Narcissism/Disorder (NPD)?
G
jon, so… i know you’re probably super busy, but i wanted to let you know that i’m still looking forward to more explanation of things and more of your blogging! figured you should know that at least someone (actually, two someone’s… dan is a fan too) is looking forward to more from you
Comment by julie August 25, 2010 @ 11:13 pm