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 Tim 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 (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
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
• In Christ, I am the Lord’s handiwork – Godly art – prepared to do good works in His name.
Pondering Point
The NIV (the New International Version translation of the Bible) 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 live in and live out of the good things God has prepared for you. 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.