Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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: No, it is assumed that you already love yourself. Loving ourselves is not something we need to learn to do. If you look at the parallel passage in Luke, this story is followed by the parable of the Good Samaritan, which is a striking illustration of how we are to love others as ourselves. Just as we seek after our own survival and well-being, we should also look after the interests of others. Christ, of course, provided the supreme example of this (Philippians 2:3-11). --Joe! |