fancy in modern society suggests that self-love is right. Statements such as,
“I know my worth,” or even something that proposes the term itself like, “I am
focusing on loving myself,” are seemingly prevalent. The idea, while alluring,
however, does not reflect the gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, such a concept
is antithetical to the gospel and should be avoided by Christians. A rebuttal
might ask, “Does not Christ want us to love ourselves? Is not self-love merely
viewing ourselves the way God views us?” While sincere questions, the gospel
message answers such contentions with stark and often difficult truth: truthful
in that the gospel realizes humanity’s dire state and difficult because such a
realization demands justice, which certainly is not the mercy of God (except
that his wrath was poured on his Son Jesus Christ); thus, God’s love, mercy,
and grace are consummately underserved for anyone.[1]
the absolute incorrect perpetuation of self-love, one must consider the
opposing views which subsist in society: 1) the worldly idea of self-love and
2) what should be considered Christ-honoring love,[2] as
the two offer diametrically competing concepts; yet, the two concepts are not
both right, for only Christ-honoring love permeates the gospel message. The
world’s idea of self-love, however, offers only deadlocks and destruction.
Human nature enjoys being in control and struggles with the truth that a loving
God is also just so reality is that he would be unequivocally right in
punishing every single radically depraved person (i.e., everyone) in utter and
eternal torment. To conclude such a truth, both concepts should be considered:
self-love and Christ-honoring love.
Even suggestions that a loving God would not send an innocent person to hell
falls short because such a person does not exist, and the gospel message
teaches and realizes this truth.
should be noted that the opposite of self-love is not low self-esteem, which is
itself selfish and self-centered. Rather, Christ-honoring love understands the
twofold reality of humanity’s utter and debased depravity and the unmerited
mercy of God; additionally, Christ-honoring love chooses to boast not in self
but in Christ and understands that the only reason Christians may stand before
the Father is the mediation of Christ.