I think the one thing that we have overlooked when teaching this scripture is the portion that says “as yourself.” The way that you love yourself determines how effectively you can love other people. There is no way that you can love other people with a whole and full love when you don’t afford yourself the same kind of love. While we must never become vain or self-centered, we must learn to love ourselves. There are different kinds of love. However, the kind of love that is referred to within this principle is Agape. Agape is defined as actively doing what the Lord prefers. It is also defined as a discriminating affection which involves choice and selection. The reason why the definition is so crucial to me is because it clearly states that loving yourself is a choice that you must make. It is not always easy to forget about the wrong things that you have done.
A couple of things can happen when we don’t love ourselves but try to love our neighbor. We can love them for the wrong reasons. Specifically, our love for them can be solely motivated by our desire to be affirmed by them. When we are in a relationship where we are seeking affirmation from someone else, we place ourselves in a very dangerous situation. We allow the person who we are in relationship with to shape our perception of whom we are. Within these relationships, it is very easy to find yourself doing things you never thought you’d do. The reason for this is because you have allowed this person to become your voice of truth and reason in exchange for what you think is their love. The way that you avoid this is by coming into relationships with an understanding of your value. It is important that you never leave it up to someone else to define you. It is God who defines us and gives us purpose.
For some of us, it is a task to look at ourselves in the mirror knowing the truth about our past. It can be rather difficult to feel like we are worth loving. However, we must remember the blood that was shed on Calvary’s cross for us. This blood has purified us, justified us, cleansed us, purchased us and made us new. This blood has restored our self-respect, our wholeness and has given us life. We must learn to look at ourselves through the blood of Jesus and love the new creation in Christ. Once we do that, we are able to look at others through the same eyes. We are able to look at them through the blood which keeps everything and everyone in perspective.
Lord, we thank you for your blood. We thank you for Calvary and the act of love that was shown there. Teach us to accept your salvation and liberty in every portion of our lives. Help us to not allow condemnation and past sins to keep us from walking in love. Restore our minds, hearts and souls; show us how to love ourselves that we may effectively show love to others. We let go of all the past hurt and mistakes. We embrace the newness of life that is found through you. We thank you for mending our hearts and causing us to be people that walk in love for ourselves and for our fellow man. Help us to stay close to you. In Jesus name, Amen.
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About the Author: Path contributing writer Calvin Walker has been writing editorial content for Path MEGAzine since 2007. Calvin’s ability to break down the word of God with thought provoking analogies and real life analysis makes an impact on Christians seeking a closer walk with God. An accomplished author, Walker released his debut book titled “The Gallery” early 2010. Click here to read excerpts and purchase Walkers’ book.
