Every Man Naturally Loves Himself

# 644 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 12:31a "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

This passage is easily misused and abused in the name of self-love. I have heard Christians say that you cannot love others unless you truly love yourself, and then use that as an excuse to place their perceived needs, wants and desires above others.

Some will use it as grounds for a divorce, or even justifying an affair, or living in sin, or ignoring the poor. Ummmm, there's a better word for that folks, it's called selfishness, not loving self.

Don Matzat wrote a book several years ago called “Christ-Esteem.” I strongly urge you to read it as it will give you a clear picture why we are to love ourselves. We love ourselves because God first loved us. Period.

Our source of self-esteem comes from the fact that God loved us so much He sent His only Son to die for us! Believe me, EVERY MAN NATURALLY LOVES HIMSELF, and you don't need to prove it by pampering your flesh at the expense of others or God's commands.

Though we seek to love others with the aid of the Holy Spirit, though we seek to be as considerate of others as we are of ourselves, we always fall short. Jesus is the only One who did not fall short in this matter of loving others. If we are to love others, this love must flow from Him through us.

Lord have mercy on us, we are selfish sinners, help us just today for starters to begin to love as You intended.