I heard a Christian radio program where the minister used the verses where Jesus spoke to a teacher of the law, to explain that we need to love ourselves - that we can not give away what we do not already possess.

I jumped all over this message at that point in my Christian walk. I struggled with issues of self-doubt (and still do).

As I have (slowly) matured in my Christian walk, my interpretation of that verse changed. While I understand what the pastor was saying, I think he jumped off the wrong side of the verse - delivering more “milk” teaching, than “meat”.

Jesus is really saying - since we already love ourselves, love them that much. Most of our problems come because we love and rely on ourselves for our joy. In essence we raise ourselves up as an idol. This always will lead to severe disappointment since there is a limit to our resources. Fortunately there is no limit to the Lord.

We develop love for our neighbors by staying connected to the Father through the Holy Spirit. He then fills us to overflowing. Of course that doesn’t always come bubbling out, especially when people mistreat us. Love is a choice, not an “ooey-gooey” feeling. I’m still working on walking that one out ; )

Categories: Living for Christ, Witnessing
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