Self-love.
Defined in the dictionary as the instinct by which one's actions are directed to the promotion of one's own welfare or well-being, especially an excessive regard for one's own advantage, it can also be defined as 'a narcissistic point of view in loving one's self.
But nowadays, with issues of depression, anxiety and a lot of hate being discussed constantly, we sometimes forget the fact that "self-love" is also important.
According to Matthew 22:39 (KJV), And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
With this verse, what does it really mean to live one's self? Is it important to love one's self?
My answer is yes.
Of course, there are terms or boundaries on how much you can love yourself. Love is powerful thing, it can either make or break someone.
The Bible verse in Matthew tackles not only about self-love but also about loving other people, but for you to be able to show love to others, you must first show love to yourself.
There are times when you feel like so unforgiving of yourself. It's just so hard to forgive yourself because you know that you are very much capable of doing a lot of things, but then you fail.
For example, flunking a test is one thing for you to loath yourself to death.
You might even have thoughts of hurting yourself or to do things that later on, you will regret.
Battling depression
There is no perfect cure for depression, but there is an answer to every problem and that is loving yourself.
God loves you for who you are and you must love yourself for what you are made of. Because we are created in His image, that is why we are special.
But how does self-love help?
It's pretty obvious that self-love can at least give you hope when you are feeling under the weather. When you have no one else to turn to, when all else fails and you feel like breaking, God's words on how much He loves us will give you peace.
John 3:16 Says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever beliveth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
So how can you not love yourself when God Himself gave His all for you?
However, there are boundaries when you exercise the "self-love" method.
By showing love to yourself, you must also express your affections on other people. Show them and make them feel loved because we are all loved.
We are created equally and no man is lesser or greater than another. There are just instances that other people feels privileged than most of us, but even if they are not lovable, you must always show them love.
Just how much God loves you and how much you love yourself.
