We belong to a generation that embraces self-love and encourages us to follow our hearts and pursue happiness. A quick online search on self-love yields many websites that aim to help us find happiness through self-love. Initially, these messages seem appealing, but what does the Bible teach us? As Christians, the Bible instructs us to let go of our own desires as we die to self. We can see this clearly in the act of baptism, where we bury our old selves in water and rise as new creations in Christ. So, should we prioritize taking care of ourselves before caring for others?
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17, (ESV).
Die to Self Love
While researching for this blog, I came across Christian websites promoting self-care and self-love. One common theme I noticed was the idea of how can we pour into others when our cup is empty. It almost sounds biblical, right? The world’s concept is that we need to fill ourselves up in order to share with others. However, this kind of self-love shifts the focus away from loving God and pursuing Him, and instead puts emphasis on how we feel and how we identify ourselves.
Now, I believe God calls us to periods of rest. But God defines those times and they are not by our own desires. In the book of Matthew, an expert of the law asked Jesus about the greatest commandment. Jesus replied that the greatest commandment was to love God with all our hearts and soul and he also added that the second greatest commandment was to love our neighbor as ourselves. Nowhere did Jesus mention self-love as part of His message.
In accordance with the Bible, we are called to prioritize God and our neighbors above ourselves and our own needs, sacrificing our self-interests. By putting ourselves first and above others, we are going against what the Bible teaches.
Die to Self Sins
The self-love generation encourages us to follow our hearts, believing that it will lead us to happiness. They suggest that if something makes us happy, we should embrace it. For example, the world advises us to remove people who have wronged us from our lives, as they bring negativity. However, Jesus teaches us to forgive others not just seven times, but seventy times seven. Jesus calls us to die to self as we forgive others.
Similarly, in the realm of lust, the world argues that if something feels good, it can’t be harmful. Yet, Jesus urges us to deny ourselves and let go of our sinful desires, rather than embracing them. Again, we die to self instead of living with sin.
Live For Christ
Self-love means seeking happiness within ourselves, rather than seeking genuine joy in life through God. Instead of focusing on loving ourselves, we should focus on loving the God who created us. Although we will still sin, we can find forgiveness by turning back to Him, living according to His word, and dedicating our lives to Christ. The Bible is our most valuable resource for living a life that honors God, and we can rely on it to define sin, even when the world may not recognize certain actions as sinful. Dying to ourselves means we forego the selfish, physical, and egotistical desires of this world and instead we seek the kingdom of God.
“23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:23-24 (NLT).
Prayer to Die to Self
I trust you, Lord, despite my fear and weakness. Help me die to self as I let go of myself and live for you alone. You deserve my praise and trust. And you will show me mercy and take care of me when I take refuge in you. I know you will never let me go. Shower me with your faithful love, strengthen my weak faith, and fulfill your plans for me. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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