The Bible does teach a healthy, God-centered understanding of self-love, though not in the modern sense of self-exaltation or self-worship. Scripture consistently assumes that human beings already possess an instinct for self-care and self-preservation, and it uses that assumption as the foundation for how we are to love others. Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NKJV), echoing the command first given in Leviticus 19:18. In both cases, self-love is not commanded as a goal but assumed as a reality. Biblically speaking, caring for oneself—desiring wholeness, peace, healing, and protection—is part of God’s design for humanity and is not portrayed as sinful or selfish.
From a theological perspective, Scripture affirms human worth because people are created by God and bear His image. David declares, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalms 139:14), grounding personal value not in achievement but in divine craftsmanship. The apostle Paul reinforces this by stating, “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it” (Ephesians 5:29). Biblical humility, therefore, is not self-hatred or denial of worth; it is the proper ordering of the self under God’s authority. The Bible rejects self-centeredness and self-rule, not self-care or self-respect.
Ultimately, Scripture places self-love in its proper order: God first, others second, self last—but never self erased. Jesus’ call to deny oneself (Matthew 16:24) does not mean despising oneself; it means refusing to enthrone the self above God. True biblical self-understanding flows from God’s love toward us, which establishes identity, restores dignity, and enables believers to love others rightly. In this way, the Bible teaches that healthy self-worth is not something we generate internally, but something we receive from God and steward faithfully for His glory.
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