Love Others… More or Less?

Yesterday’s detour was timely, as we pondered loving ourselves before we can effectively love others. I hope you
came away with a fresh perspective and a truthful reminder of who you really are. I did.

Loving ourselves the way God created us and sees us helps us to love others the way God created them and sees them.

We’re back on the path today, and on Day 4.

31 Days of Loving God and Loving Others. We began here if you missed it.

Matthew 22:39 reads, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

I like how The Message translation puts it, “Love others as well as you love yourself.”

As well as you love yourself. Not more. Not less. Along with. In like manner. Conjointly. (Conjointly?? I don’t think I’ve ever said–or written–that word in my life!)

Just as much as you love yourself.

Then why do we sometimes elevate ourselves (at least in our minds) above someone else? Why do I sometimes think my needs are more important than than my husband’s? Or why do I seem to find time to do the things that are important to me, but forget to do something that might be important to another?

On the other hand, why do we lower ourselves below another? Why do we ever perceive ourselves as less-than? Why do I compare myself to someone else, and end up feeling like a loser? (I pray you don’t ever do this!)

The thing is, God doesn’t want us to do either.

Can we just embrace each other’s differences, instead? See each one of us as the unique creations God made us to be?? To celebrate the success of others, and support them in their failures? (More on this coming soon!) To not put our needs above anyone else’s? Nor to fall prey to comparing ourselves with another.

Love others as well as we love ourselves.

With God’s help we can.

When we understand God created us all different, yet loves us all the same, we begin to see ourselves and others in proper light. We can love others and ourselves the way we were meant to.

Today, I encourage you to show love to someone near to you in a way that demonstrates God’s love. Hold your spouses hand unexpectedly. Cuddle with your child. Speak encouraging words to a friend. I have a family wedding today, so I’ll have lots of opportunities to show love. I’d love to read your ideas below!

Also, show yourself some love. Do something just for you. A bubble bath. A wonderful cup of coffee. A long walk. Whatever it is that you love, do it just for you. I plan to give myself a fresh manicure (and a cup of coffee) after finishing this post. Share below what you plan to do (or did) for yourself.

Love others as well as we love ourselves.

What a joy it is to be on this journey of loving God and loving others with you!

Until tomorrow,

Julie