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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: Compare Mt 22:39 with Phil 2:3. The principle in this verse is one which we don't hear much of anymore. It just doesn't fit in a consumer driven "me first" society. It's called "deference." Phil 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; No one needs to be taught to love themselves more. That, according to scripture, is already our problem. Jesus never said our problem is that we don't love (or "esteem") ourselves enough. |