Loving oneself is a concept that is often discussed in popular culture and society today. It’s commonly seen as an essential practice for mental health and well-being. However, when we turn to the Bible for guidance, we find that the concept of self-love is addressed in a much deeper, more spiritual context. The Bible teaches us not only to love ourselves but also to understand the correct balance of self-love in relation to God’s love and our love for others.

In this article, we’ll explore what the Bible really says about self-love, its deeper meaning, and how to live out a balanced, godly approach to self-worth and love. We will draw from scripture and teachings that provide insight into how we should love ourselves in a way that aligns with God's design for our lives.

The Bible does not have a specific commandment that directly tells us to "love yourself." However, it does make it clear that having a healthy sense of self-worth is necessary to live a fulfilling and godly life. In fact, there are many verses that talk about loving others as we love ourselves, implying that self-love is a natural, necessary foundation for loving those around us.

God’s word encourages self-respect, self-care, and the importance of understanding our worth in His eyes. While the Bible doesn’t focus on self-love in the way modern culture might define it, it teaches us to value ourselves as creations of God, acknowledging our purpose and role in His divine plan.

The Bible’s Command to Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
One of the most often-quoted scriptures regarding self-love is found in Matthew 22:39, where Jesus commands us to "love your neighbor as yourself." This verse assumes that we already know how to love ourselves and that this self-love will inform how we treat others. But what does this truly mean?

It means that in order to love others properly, we must first care for our own well-being. The Bible recognizes that we are inherently capable of self-love because we were created by God and made in His image (Genesis 1:27). Thus, loving ourselves isn't about selfishness or self-centeredness; it is about nurturing a healthy respect for the life God has given us, acknowledging our value, and ensuring we maintain our mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Love for God Must Come First
The Bible teaches that our primary love should be directed toward God. As Jesus explains in Mark 12:30, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” This is the greatest commandment, and it sets the foundation for all other forms of love. Loving God first allows us to understand who we are in Him and to see ourselves through His eyes, which guides us in how to love others and ourselves.

Our love for ourselves should never overshadow our devotion to God. By loving God first, we can align our priorities and understand our true identity, which strengthens our capacity for healthy self-love. Loving God helps us to see that we are His creation, wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that our worth comes from Him, not from our achievements or external validation.

Loving Others as Ourselves
Once we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we are instructed to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This isn’t just about kindness or affection; it’s about living selflessly and considering others’ needs alongside our own. However, it also means that we are not to neglect ourselves in this process.

Loving others as we love ourselves involves treating them with respect, compassion, and humility. The Bible encourages us to look out for the interests of others, but it does not ask us to diminish our own worth in the process. Instead, it guides us to find a balance where we care for ourselves and others in a way that reflects God’s love.

As we learn in Genesis 1:27, we were made in God's image, and this truth is a fundamental aspect of self-love. Understanding that we are created in His likeness not only gives us intrinsic worth but also reminds us to honor our lives and bodies as temples of God, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. When we view ourselves as valuable creations of a loving and purposeful God, we are better able to love ourselves in a way that reflects His intentions.

This truth serves as a powerful reminder that we are worthy of love. God’s love for us is unwavering and unconditional. In Romans 5:8, we are told, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This act of sacrifice is the ultimate example of unconditional love, highlighting how deeply God values us, despite our imperfections.

Accepting God’s love for us profoundly impacts how we view ourselves. It fills us with purpose, confidence, and a deeper understanding of our intrinsic worth. Through this, we can develop the ability to love ourselves properly and responsibly, while also extending that love toward others.

• Made in God’s Image: Understanding that we are created in God’s image provides us with intrinsic worth and dignity, encouraging us to respect ourselves and honor our bodies.
• Temples of God: The Bible calls us to treat our bodies as temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), reminding us to take care of our physical and spiritual well-being.
• Unconditional Love: Romans 5:8 teaches us about the unconditional love God has for us, exemplified through Christ’s sacrifice, which sets the foundation for how we should love ourselves.
• Purpose and Confidence: Accepting God’s love gives us a renewed sense of purpose and fills us with confidence to live according to His will, strengthening our ability to love ourselves and others.

By embracing these biblical truths, we are empowered to love ourselves in a way that is aligned with God's will, with the ultimate goal of reflecting His love to the world around us.

While self-love is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself, the Bible also provides warnings against excessive self-love or selfishness. In 2 Timothy 3:2, Paul cautions that in the last days, people will become “lovers of self,” implying that a self-centered focus can lead to negative behaviors like pride, arrogance, and a disregard for others. This type of self-love is destructive, as it places one's own desires above the needs of others and disregards God's plan for selflessness.

In contrast, true biblical love involves balancing self-love with humility. Humility is not only a key component of loving others, but it also ensures that we approach self-love in a godly and balanced way. Humility helps us maintain the right perspective on ourselves - acknowledging our worth without inflating our importance. Let’s break down why humility is crucial for balanced self-love:

Avoiding Excessive Self-Love
The Bible warns against becoming overly focused on oneself, as this can lead to pride and self-centeredness. In 2 Timothy 3:2, we see how “lovers of self” can become arrogant, ungrateful, and abusive, demonstrating how unchecked self-love can harm relationships with others and distort our view of ourselves.

Humility as a Foundation
True biblical love is based on humility. Humility allows us to recognize our worth without placing ourselves above others. The Bible teaches us that pride is a stumbling block (Proverbs 16:18), and in Philippians 2:3-4, we are instructed to consider others more significant than ourselves and to serve them selflessly.

Humility Keeps Us Focused on God
By practicing humility, we keep our focus on God, rather than on ourselves. It helps us understand our role in God's greater plan and keeps us from becoming overly absorbed in our own needs and desires. Humbling ourselves before God allows us to align our priorities with His, focusing on loving Him and loving others.

Balanced Self-Respect
Humility helps maintain a healthy balance between recognizing our worth and serving others. When we humble ourselves before God, we acknowledge that our value comes from Him and that we are to love others as we love ourselves. Humility allows us to love ourselves properly while avoiding selfishness.

Self-care is an important aspect of loving yourself from a biblical perspective. The Bible teaches that we are to care for our bodies and well-being as a way of honoring God. In Ephesians 5:29, Paul writes, "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church." Taking care of ourselves through proper rest, nutrition, and spiritual care reflects our recognition of the value God has placed in us.

Resting and Refreshing
Jesus Himself took time for rest and reflection (Mark 6:31). He knew the importance of caring for His body and spirit, and as His followers, we should do the same. Whether it’s taking a break from work, spending time in prayer, or seeking moments of peace, rest is a crucial part of self-love. It allows us to recharge physically and spiritually, so we can love others effectively and live a fulfilling life.

In the Bible, self-love is not about selfishness or vanity. It’s about valuing yourself as God does, recognizing your worth, and maintaining the right perspective on who you are in Him. The Bible’s call to love ourselves is rooted in humility, self-respect, and a commitment to living a life that honors God and serves others.

Ultimately, self-love in the biblical sense is about aligning our lives with God’s purpose, loving ourselves in a way that reflects His love for us, and then sharing that love with others.

At Lina, we understand that self-love is crucial for living a fulfilling and healthy life. That’s why we’ve created an app designed to help you explore and nurture your self-worth through art therapy. Our goal is to offer a space where you can express yourself, reduce anxiety, and improve your self-esteem - all from the convenience of your iOS and iPad devices.

We at Lina have developed a unique art therapy app that combines creative expression with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Designed by certified art therapists, our app offers a variety of art therapy exercises that help you explore your emotions, gain insights, and build a deeper sense of self-worth. Whether you're struggling with stress or just looking to enhance your emotional well-being, our app is here to support you.

Our art therapy sessions are brief yet powerful. We provide 15-minute exercises that can be done at home, on a break, or even while commuting. These activities are designed to help you express your feelings safely, gain personal insights, and improve your mental and emotional health. By reflecting on your drawings and the emotions they bring up, you can better understand yourself and take actionable steps toward greater self-compassion.

We believe that self-love doesn’t just mean indulging in relaxation; it’s about nurturing your emotional and mental health through creativity. By giving yourself the time and space to express your feelings, you’re better able to connect with your inner self and cultivate a loving attitude toward your body, mind, and soul.

No matter where you are, we ensure that you have access to healing and self-care through Lina. Whether you’re at home, commuting, or taking a break at work, you can engage with our art therapy activities on your iPhone or iPad. The flexibility of our app makes it easy for you to fit self-care into your busy routine, offering you moments of reflection and emotional healing whenever you need it most.

We also love staying connected with our community. You can find us on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, where we share creative insights, motivational tips, and a closer look at how Lina is helping others on their self-love journey. By joining our social media channels, you can engage with fellow users, share your experiences, and find daily inspiration that supports your personal growth.

The Bible teaches that self-love is not about selfishness or vanity but about embracing your worth as a creation of God. True self-love involves a balanced approach where we love God first, care for ourselves as His creation, and love others selflessly. When we understand our worth in God’s eyes, we are empowered to live lives filled with love, humility, and compassion.

By following God’s teachings, we learn to live with a healthy self-respect that reflects His love and leads to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Remember, you are God's masterpiece, and loving yourself starts with understanding that love.