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NASB | Matthew 22:39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 22:39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].' [Lev 19:18; Matt 19:19] |
Bible Question: Is it legitimate and biblically sound to interprete Matthew 22:39 to mean: "You need to learn to love yourself first, then you can love your neighbor?" |
Bible Answer: Greetings KAS! I'd like to offer a few observations on this question as I have pondered this as well. First of all, pride is the enemy. It can manifest itself in two forms: arrogant self-centeredness or self contempt. In both expressions, the focus is on self rather than God. (Please note that the FIRST part of this commandment stresses the necessity of our whole hearted devotion to God!) When we are confronted with the reality of self - both forms of self pride are a manifestation of a lack of total devotion to God- we come to recognize that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ."(Romans 3:23) This "confession" puts us ALL on a level playing field. We know that God loved us so much, just as we are, sinners - and sent Jesus to pay the penalty of our sin for us. (Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8) THIS alone is the source that enables us to love ourselves. If God loves us and declared us worthy of His love because of Jesus, then we have the RIGHT reason to love ourselves properly, with God at the focal point. When we see oursleves as God sees us, and remember that we are ALL the same in His eyes, how dare we not love our neighbor? Jesus died for EVERYONE - we are to love as He loves. When I struggle in relationships I just remind myself that Jesus died for me and He died for him/her too. Oh the love of Jesus! It enables me to really love myself IN HIM and extend His love to others as well! This is not only God honoring, but it the one true source of self esteem! Hope this helps. Blessings, Mommapbs |