Disciples show love to themselves because they are new creations in Christ
Are we supposed to love ourselves? You won’t find a bible quote for it. The bible denounces self-love (2 Timothy 3:2) and self-importance (Philippians 2:3). But God does advocate a sense of worth ("you are worth more than many sparrows" – Matthew 10:31).
If you agree with God, the end result is a sense of self-worth. But what about loving oneself? As followers of Jesus, we’re taught to care for others "as we care for ourselves" – clearly a form of love. Jesus uses the word love to express such actions when He quotes a Leviticus command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18).
The next month explores how to love ourselves as God loves us – a foundational piece to loving our neighbors. Come along. Let’s love and learn.
Your Biblical Identity in Christ
Ephesians 2:1-10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
~ Apostle Paul
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
• In Christ, I am the Lord’s handiwork – Godly art – prepared to do good works in His name.
Pondering Point
The NIV calls you God’s handiwork. Other versions translate this as “God’s Masterpieces”. Stop and consider that view. You are a work of art – Godly art! As a work of art, you also have a function, having been created in Christ Jesus to do good. How are you functioning?
Prayer
Father God, help me to see myself – and others – as your handiwork; as pieces of art. Inspire me by Your Holy Spirit to do the good works You have prepared me to do in and through Jesus my Lord. In His name I pray. Amen.