I shared before that I don’t believe loving ourselves is a sin. But if we make it become our focus and start to see ourselves as mini-gods or become self-absorbed, then that’s where sin comes in place.
But here’s my thoughts on true “self-love” – it’s not about loving who we “are” instead loving who God created us to be.
Recently, I said to a friend that Crystal without Christ is HORRIBLE. Yes, I mean without Jesus, my thoughts, actions and words were selfish, worldly-driven, lustful and downright dirty (Isaiah 64:6)… but I THANK GOD FOR SALVATION!
Having a relationship with Christ has really been the best thing to happen to me, because I was truly horrible. Now, I am not saying I am sinless now (no no sir). But the BLOOD has really cleansed me, so daily I am learning to rely on His Spirit to lead me and renew me (sanctification).
So, now I just don’t love “Crystal” as she is or was; but I love the Crystal I am becoming (that God has created me to be). The one who has been blood-washed, re-born, made righteous, made worthy and is quite valuable in Jesus Christ.
That means, I try not to make excuses about my “dirty” ways and say that’s just me! I know any character or habits that is unpleasing to God and that does not align with His character, is not who I am supposed to be.
So, lying, anger, bitterness, jealousy, selfishness, pride, being unkind, unforgiving, arrogant and lustful, the person we are naturally should not be accepted and lovable to us. These are the sinful images adopted from Adam through sin. This is why we needed a Savior.
What’s the truth about self-love? You can only love yourself authentically through the LOVE OF GOD. That means we are trusting and relying on His LOVE for us to help us see ourselves differently. You cannot rely on yourself… you cannot rely on your strengths or qualifications to help you to “love yourself”…. We rely on Jesus Christ – it is in Him lies our identity, worth and purpose.
This means it comes down to not really loving “me” per say, but loving God and accepting Christ sacrifice on the Cross. It’s all about Him anyway!!
2 Corinthians 10:7 – “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
I love you and God loves you more:-)
Crystal