What Does It Really Mean to Love Yourself?
A Faith-Filled Reflection on Self-Love & Soul-Care
I was recently in a deep conversation about the concept of loving yourself. Someone asked me sincerely:
“How do you love yourself? And what does God say about that? Isn’t it wrong to be a lover of self?”
I paused. Because I know how easy it is to misunderstand this.
The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:2 that being “lovers of self” is part of the signs of the last days. But in Mark 12:31, Jesus clearly tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
So… how do we reconcile this?
Here’s what I’ve come to learn:
Loving yourself isn’t selfish—it’s soul-care. It’s stewardship. It’s recognizing the value God placed on your life and honoring it. Not in arrogance, but in gratitude.
For me, loving myself looks like this:
-Resting when I need to, not only when I “earn” it.
-Facing trauma, pain, and truth and giving myself space to heal.
-Eating with joy and mindfulness, including dessert without shame.
-Looking at my body with gratitude, not criticism.
-Walking away from harmful environments and not looking back.
-Saying no without guilt and giving others permission to leave.
-Enjoying sunsets, books, laughter, and tears.
-Whispering with God in the quiet moments, knowing He sees me.
Loving myself is also saying:
“I am worthy of peace. My life is precious. I don’t need to sit at any table where I’m not valued.”
It’s not always easy. But it's necessary.
And so today I ask you:
- How do you love yourself?
- What have you learned about it?
- What do you want to do better?
Loving yourself is part of loving others. It’s part of loving God. It’s the grace you give to everyone else—*finally extended to you too.
Let’s continue this journey. Together.
With grace,
Maxandra
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