Self-Love, or Self-Absorbtion
Are we supposed to love ourselves according to God?
There is a difference between loving myself and self-absorption.
The self-absorbed person is fixated on her own feelings, thoughts, body, and life without much thought of others except what they think of her. This results in a life of selfishness and lack of deep connection.
One who loves and accepts herself as the wonderful creation she is will result in a life of loving and connecting with others. There are many verses declaring our value in God’s eyes, therefore we accept the fact that we are valuable simply for being. Furthermore, God equips us with a powerful brain and body to grow and love as an expression His creative love.
The rub comes when we recognize our faults, weaknesses, and bad behavior (sin). Though it is as vital to be aware of our sin tendencies as it is our goodness, our IDENTITY comes from being a child of God, created in His image. It is WHO we are that brings ultimate confidence and joy, not WHAT we do.
So how do we know if we are self-loving or self-absorbed?
By asking the following questions:
- As I meditate on self-image quotes and other encouragements, is there a sense of gratitude that accompanies it? (God fashioned every quality we possess)
- What is the “fruit” in my life – are others being blessed or only myself? (God equips us to love others)
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Ps 139:14)
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 1:3)