Loving ourselves isn’t about selfishness—it’s about seeing ourselves through God’s eyes. The Bible teaches us to care for our bodies and souls as His creation. Today, let’s explore how Scripture encourages self-love rooted in God’s truth.
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What Does The Bible Say About Loving Ourselves
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This verse reminds us that we are created in the image of God. It emphasizes the inherent worth and value each person possesses. Therefore, loving ourselves means recognizing and embracing the unique qualities and characteristics that reflect the image of our Creator.
It also implies that loving ourselves involves caring for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being since we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse reiterates that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It invites us to praise and thank Him for His marvelous creation, including ourselves.
Loving ourselves means appreciating the intricacies of our being and acknowledging that we are part of God’s marvelous works.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse teaches us that loving our neighbor as ourselves is a fundamental commandment. In order to truly love others, we must first learn to love and care for ourselves.
Loving ourselves means treating ourselves with kindness, compassion, and grace so that we can extend the same love and care to our neighbors.
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
This verse reminds us that as believers, the Holy Spirit resides in us. Therefore, loving ourselves involves recognizing the sacredness and the presence of God within us.
It also implies that loving ourselves means honoring our bodies, minds, and spirits as temples of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse further emphasizes that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Loving ourselves involves honoring and taking care of our bodies as a way of honoring and glorifying God.
It also reminds us that we belong to God, and therefore, loving ourselves means surrendering our lives to His will and living in a way that reflects His love and truth.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This verse affirms that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus. Loving ourselves means recognizing that we have been uniquely designed and gifted by God to fulfill a purpose in His kingdom.
Loving ourselves involves embracing our identity in Christ and using our God-given talents and abilities to bring glory to Him through acts of love and service.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
This verse encourages us to have a balanced and humble view of ourselves. Loving ourselves means having a sober judgment of our strengths and weaknesses, not exalting ourselves above others or underestimating our worth.
It reminds us that our true value comes from God’s grace and the unique role we play in His plan, rather than from earthly achievements or comparisons to others.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
This verse reminds us that our ability to love ourselves and others is rooted in God’s love for us. Loving ourselves means acknowledging and reciprocating the love and grace that God has bestowed upon us.
As we embrace His love, we can love ourselves authentically and extend that love to those around us.
Psalm 139:13
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
This verse speaks of the intimate and intentional way in which God created each one of us. Loving ourselves means recognizing the incredible care and thoughtfulness that went into our creation.
It invites us to appreciate our uniqueness and embrace our individuality, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator.
Proverbs 19:8
“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”
This verse highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding. Loving ourselves involves valuing personal growth and learning, which leads to a deeper appreciation for life and the ability to prosper in various areas.
By nourishing our minds and gaining wisdom, we cultivate self-love and a greater appreciation for the life that God has given us.
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse highlights our role as believers to be a light in the world. Loving ourselves means embracing this calling and allowing the light of Christ to shine through us.
It reminds us that our actions and attitudes should reflect God’s love, so that others may see our good deeds and ultimately glorify Him.
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love in our relationships with others. Loving ourselves involves extending that same love and kindness to our neighbors, treating them with respect and compassion.
It encourages us to prioritize love in all our interactions, as it fulfills God’s law and promotes harmony within our communities.
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
This verse reiterates the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Loving ourselves means recognizing the value and worth of every person, treating them with the same love and dignity that we desire for ourselves.
It reminds us that love is the greatest commandment and the foundation for all other aspects of Christian living.
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse summarizes the fulfillment of the entire law in the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Loving ourselves means living in a way that honors and fulfills God’s law.
It emphasizes that love is not just a feeling but an active choice to prioritize the well-being and dignity of others as we would our own.
Psalm 34:5
“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
This verse speaks of the radiance and confidence that comes from looking to God. Loving ourselves means finding our worth and identity in Him, rather than relying on external validation or striving for worldly approval.
As we seek God’s face, we can experience freedom from shame and embrace our true value as His beloved children.
Luke 10:27
“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse reaffirms the commandment to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Loving ourselves means aligning our hearts, souls, strengths, and minds with the love of God.
It reminds us that love for God and love for others are interconnected, and that includes showing love and care to ourselves.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
This verse reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Loving ourselves means relying on His strength and empowerment to overcome obstacles and fulfill our purposes.
It encourages us to have a positive view of ourselves, knowing that with God’s help, we are capable of accomplishing great things.
Psalm 36:7
“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
This verse extols the unfailing and precious love of God. Loving ourselves means finding refuge and security in His love, knowing that we are deeply cherished and protected by Him.
It reminds us to seek comfort, solace, and strength in the arms of our Heavenly Father, who loves us unconditionally.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This verse invites us to come to Jesus and find rest when we are weary and burdened. Loving ourselves means recognizing our need for rest and self-care.
It encourages us to surrender our cares and concerns to God, finding solace in His presence and trusting Him to provide the rest our souls need.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This verse affirms the indomitable and infinite love of God. Loving ourselves means fully grasping the magnitude of His love and embracing the truth that nothing can separate us from His love.
It encourages us to have confidence in His unwavering love, regardless of our circumstances or shortcomings.
Psalm 103:13-14
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.”
This verse depicts God’s compassionate and understanding nature. Loving ourselves means recognizing that God knows our weaknesses and limitations, yet He loves us with a father’s compassion.
It reminds us that we are human and prone to imperfections, but in His mercy, God extends grace and unfailing love towards us.
Jeremiah 31:3
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
This verse declares God’s everlasting love for us. Loving ourselves means accepting and embracing His love, which is steadfast and unconditional.
It encourages us to rest in His unfailing kindness and to allow His love to be the foundation of our self-worth and self-love.
Psalm 62:5
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
This verse calls us to find rest and hope in God alone. Loving ourselves means seeking and finding true satisfaction in Him, rather than placing our value in external achievements or the opinions of others.
It reminds us that our worth is not determined by worldly measures, but by our identity as beloved children of God.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse reassures us of God’s constant presence and support. Loving ourselves means finding courage in His promises and entrusting our lives to His faithful care.
It encourages us to release our fears and insecurities, knowing that God is always with us, ready to strengthen, help, and sustain us.