Me First?

One of the most recognizable scriptures is, “Love you neighbor as yourself”.
Usually, when one thinks of this passage, the emphasis is to benefit others.
This is to say, a person should be nice, kind, long-suffering, helpful, and a host of other altruistic qualities, to people of all stripes regardless of their social position or stature.
If we turn the scripture around and let it read, “Love yourself as you love your neighbor,” the meaning takes on a whole new perspective, yet still holds the same outcome, namely universal love.
Truly pious people may recoil at the idea of loving themselves as the nature of religion, at its best anyway, is selflessness and sacrifice. So, what is the purpose of caring about yourself as a means to caring for others?
Like me, you may have met several people who hold a low opinion of themselves.
Perhaps, some regret or embarrassment has revealed a weak spot in their character. Maybe their self-worth is linked to some parental or relational history. Even peers may have belittled them to the point where they are drinking the punch of, “I am a loser”.
It seems self-evident that we cannot do for others what we are unwilling to do for ourselves.
How do I care for myself so that I can care for others?
A few thoughts come to mind.
First, accept yourself as God created you.
Remind yourself that there is only one you. That alone makes you unique. After all, there is only one Mona Lisa and only one you.
Second, recognize your inherent worth as a child of God. The protection given these great works of art are immense and they are objects, not people, and certainly not you.
Since there is only one you and you are created by God, taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, are necessary to being the best version of yourself, not only for you, but for others also.
How so?
If you do not value yourself, how can you truly value others? When you value yourself, you can genuinely care for others.
One of the most stinging rebukes of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day, was the idea that these seemingly pious individuals foisted upon others rules they themselves could not, or would not, abide by.
Jesus illustrated such conduct by suggesting that it is not the outside of a cup that needs cleaning but the inside.
In other words, love yourself enough to be honest about who you are and what you really need.
In this case, it was self-awareness as they came to terms with who they were (hypocrites) and what they needed to do to truly love themselves (stop indulging in loveless acts).
If you are truly a unique creation, treat yourself as such. Not with pride or arrogance, but with tender care and protection.
Then, and only then, will you see a whole new way of loving others.
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.