Self-love, within the context of biblical teaching, is often understood as a foundational measure for how individuals are to love others. This concept is rooted in the biblical command to "love your neighbor as yourself," which appears in both the Old and New Testaments. The Berean Standard Bible provides clarity on this principle, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer.

Biblical Foundation

The command to love one's neighbor as oneself is first found in Leviticus 19:18 : "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This directive is part of the Holiness Code, which outlines ethical and moral behavior for the Israelites. It establishes self-love as a standard by which love for others is measured.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this commandment, elevating it to a central tenet of Christian ethics. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus responds to a question about the greatest commandment: "Jesus declared, '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.'" Here, self-love is implicitly acknowledged as a baseline for loving others, suggesting that a healthy regard for oneself is necessary to fulfill this command.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, self-love is not equated with selfishness or narcissism. Instead, it is understood as a recognition of one's worth as a creation of God. In Genesis 1:27 , it is stated, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This imago Dei, or image of God, bestows inherent value and dignity upon every individual, forming the basis for appropriate self-regard.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this concept in Ephesians 5:28-29 , where he instructs husbands to love their wives as their own bodies: "In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church." This passage underscores the natural inclination to care for oneself and uses it as a model for how one should care for others.

Practical Application

In practical terms, self-love as a measure calls believers to a balanced view of themselves, avoiding both self-deprecation and self-exaltation. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This passage encourages believers to maintain a healthy self-interest while prioritizing the needs of others, reflecting the selfless love exemplified by Christ.

Challenges and Misinterpretations

While self-love is a biblical measure for loving others, it can be misinterpreted in contemporary culture, which often promotes self-centeredness. The biblical view of self-love is not about indulging in personal desires at the expense of others but about recognizing one's value in God's eyes and using that understanding to love others effectively.

In summary, self-love as a measure is a biblical principle that calls for a balanced and God-centered view of oneself, serving as a foundation for loving others in accordance with God's commandments.