Loving Yourself as God Loves You: A Christian Perspective on Self-Love
Self-love. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot these days. The world tells us to love ourselves, to prioritize self-care, and to embrace who we are. But as Christians, we often wrestle with what that really means. Aren’t we supposed to put others before ourselves? Isn’t focusing on ourselves selfish? How does self-love fit into a life devoted to Christ?
Let’s take a deep breath and dig into this together because the truth is—God calls us to love ourselves. And not in a self-absorbed, egotistical way, but in a way that reflects His love for us.
The Foundation of Self-Love: God’s Love for Us
Before we can even begin to love ourselves, we have to understand one fundamental truth: God loves us deeply, unconditionally, and intentionally.
Psalm 139:13-14 tells us, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God took His time creating you. You weren’t an afterthought. You weren’t a mistake. You were designed with love, on purpose, for a purpose. If the Creator of the universe looks at you with love, then why should you do anything less?
What Jesus Said About Self-Love
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus gives us the greatest commandment: “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.”
We often focus on loving God and loving others but overlook one key phrase: “as yourself.” Jesus assumes we love ourselves. He doesn’t say, “Love your neighbor instead of yourself.” He says to love others as we love ourselves—implying that healthy self-love is essential to loving others well.
Why Christians Struggle with Self-Love
Many of us struggle with self-love because we feel unworthy. Maybe we’ve made mistakes. Maybe we compare ourselves to others and come up short. Maybe we think loving ourselves is selfish. But here’s the thing—
- Self-love is not arrogance. It’s accepting the truth that God created you in His image (Genesis 1:27).
- Self-love is not selfish. It’s stewarding well what God has given you—including your body, mind, and heart.
- Self-love is not prideful. It’s humbling yourself before God and agreeing with Him about your worth.
Practical Ways to Love Yourself in a Godly Way
So, what does self-love look like in daily life as a Christian? Here are a few ways to walk in the truth of God’s love for you:
Speak Life Over Yourself – Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Stop speaking negatively about yourself. Instead, declare truth: “I am loved. I am chosen. I am valuable. I am enough because God says so.”
Take Care of Your Body – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Eating well, exercising, and resting aren’t just about looking good—they’re about honoring God with how we treat ourselves.
Give Yourself Grace – God doesn’t demand perfection from us. He offers grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). If He’s willing to forgive you, shouldn’t you also extend that same grace to yourself?
Set Boundaries – Loving yourself means knowing your limits. Jesus Himself took time away from the crowds to rest and pray (Mark 6:31). It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to protect your peace.
Pursue What Brings You Joy – God delights in seeing His children joyful (Zephaniah 3:17). Take time for hobbies, friendships, and moments that make your heart light up.
Remember Who You Are in Christ – Your worth is not found in your job, your looks, your social status, or even your past. Your worth is found in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:10). He calls you chosen, beloved, redeemed, and wonderfully made.
Loving Yourself Helps You Love Others Better
When we truly love ourselves in a Christ-centered way, we become better at loving others. We stop seeking validation from people and start walking in confidence. We stop pouring from an empty cup and start serving from a place of wholeness. We stop being so critical of ourselves and, in turn, extend more grace to others.
God doesn’t want you walking through life feeling unworthy, unloved, or not enough. You are enough because He made you, He loves you, and He has a plan for you.
So today, take a moment to thank God for creating you. Speak truth over yourself. Walk in confidence. Love yourself as He loves you.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. And that, my friend, is a reason to love yourself. 💛
Challenge: 14-Day Scripture Writing Plan for Self-Love
To help you dive deeper into what God says about self-love, I challenge you to take out a journal (and maybe some pretty pens!) and spend the next 14 days writing out these scriptures:
- Psalm 139:13-14
- Matthew 22:37-39
- 1 John 4:19
- Romans 5:8
- Ephesians 2:10
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Isaiah 43:1
- 1 Peter 2:9
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- Colossians 3:12-14
- Zephaniah 3:17
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
- Philippians 4:8
- Romans 8:38-39
Each day, write the scripture, reflect on it, and pray over it. Let these verses remind you of your worth and identity in Christ. You are deeply loved. 💕
