And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. Mark 12:31
Most people do NOT love themselves enough! I know that’s a radical statement, but it’s true. How do I know?
In the first place, because one of our greatest responsibilities in life is to love our fellow humans. However, according to God’s word, the benchmark of our love for others is our love for ourselves. Therefore, lack of true love for others is a reflection of our poor love for ourselves. That’s the litmus test of true love!
Secondly, if you truly love yourself, you will not neglect your destiny. If you truly loved yourself you wouldn’t let yourself go to hell. If you truly loved yourself you wouldn’t let all sorts of evil things assault your life. You wouldn’t lean on your own limited understanding. You would protect your soul. You would guard your heart above all things. You would pay attention to God’s wisdom. You would live responsibly.
You wouldn’t be careless with your spiritual life. You wouldn’t leave your mind unguarded. You wouldn’t let weeds grow in the garden of your heart. You wouldn’t burden your soul with unnecessary issues, weights and sins. You wouldn’t poison your inner man by resentment, bitterness and malice.
You wouldn’t eat any junk that comes your way. You wouldn’t dress like a nobody. You wouldn’t work on your job more than you work on yourself. You would entrust your life into the Master’s safe hands. You would invest more into your best interests. And only God knows what’s best for us. That’s why He gave us His word providentially.
Dear friends, let us begin to truly love ourselves afresh. Then we can love our neighbours as much as we love ourselves. Then we can make a difference in other people’s lives. We will consistently add value to many. God would be glorified. And we would reap the eternal benefits. Pastor Josh