7 Bible Verses for Self-Love

We are called to love others as ourselves but are we really loving ourselves well? Often times I don’t think so, and as a result, we aren’t loving others well.

Jesus replied: “‘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.’ - Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

In order to love ourselves well we need to first look at where we are rooted. What you are rooted in will either allow you to grow and flourish or cause you to wither away. Are you rooted in how well you think you are doing at work, your GPA, if the guy you have a crush on responded to you or is he just ignoring you, or what that girl that acts like your friend said about you behind your back? I get it. It is so easy to feed into these things and begin to listen to that voice that says you aren’t doing enough, you aren’t smart, you’re not pretty. These are all lies the enemy is putting into your head. God says otherwise about you. We need not to be rooted in these worldly things but to be rooted in Christ. Below are 7 verses that speak the truth of what God says about you.

1. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9 NIV

2. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. - Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

3. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31 NIV

4. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

5. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. - Luke 12:7 NIV

6. You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. - 1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV

7. Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:6 NIV

As a child of God, it is important to take time to get to know God and who He is, not just who you think He might be. Take the time to read His word and study His character. Go to Him in prayer with everything that is on your heart and watch how He works in your life. When you get to know God you begin to get to truly know yourself, and not just who the world says you are. God is love. So when we begin to know Him we start to know true love and how to experience that for ourselves. Remember that God only puts things in our lives that he is able to guide us through. He is with us every step of the way and wants us to lean on Him when we feel discouraged and are in the midst of trials. We rely on the Lord’s love for us as our creator.

God says that you are courageous. So you can face your future head-on.

God says you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Trust that you were created intentionally, with purpose, and beautifully designed.

God says you are strong. You are able to handle the unexpected curve balls life throws your way.

God says you have a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. So know that you are able to do the things you set your mind to and love others well.

God says you are valuable. You are worth so much more than you could ever know.

God says He is doing a good work in you and He’s not done yet!

When you begin to not just know but believe these things about yourself you will not only love yourself better but also those around you. You will begin to see the courage others have, that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, they are strong, that they have a spirit of power, love and self-discipline, they are valuable, and that the Lord is doing a good work in them. When you love yourself well you will love those around you well.

- mackenzie