Volume 49: That Is Not What Jesus Said

Day 153 Devotional

THAT IS NOT WHAT JESUS SAID

Countless books, conferences, counselors, influencers, and even sermons claim that people must first learn to love themselves before they can truly love others.

Jesus never said that. Instead, He said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).

THE LITTLE WORD “AS”

The key to understanding Jesus’ command is the little word as. It establishes a comparison, not a second command. It means in the same way, according to the same measure, or with the same concern. Jesus assumes that people already care for themselves. We naturally feed ourselves, protect ourselves, defend ourselves, and think about ourselves. His command is to extend that same concern to our neighbor.

THE BIBLE ASSUMES SELF-LOVE

Paul reinforces this truth: “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it” (Ephesians 5:29). We spend our lives pursuing food, clothing, sleep, careers, entertainment, social media, vacations, retirement, and security. Scripture does not portray humanity as lacking self-love. If anything, our culture suffers from an excess of it.

JESUS CALLS US TO SOMETHING HIGHER

Jesus declared, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself” (Matthew 16:24). Paul wrote, “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). Jesus also said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The gospel does not encourage greater self-centeredness; it calls us to crucify it.

DON’T CONFUSE SELF-CARE WITH SELF-WORSHIP

There is nothing sinful about rest, caring for your health, or meeting legitimate physical needs. Jesus rested. Elijah slept. Paul instructed Timothy to care for his stomach. But caring for your body is very different from building your theology around yourself. Christianity is Christ-centered, not self-centered.

THE CROSS SETTLES THE ISSUE

The cross was never about discovering yourself. It was about dying to yourself.

Jesus did not say, “Love yourself.” He said, “Deny yourself.”

He never assumed you lacked love for yourself. Instead, He commanded us to love others with the same intensity we often seek to love ourselves with.