Forum 9-Love Thy Neighbor

When the lawyer questions Jesus on what he must do to gain eternal life in Luke 10, Christ refers back to the law from that, we get the famous exchange:

"[Jesus] said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?"

"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." (Luke 10: 26-27, italicization mine)

This scripture is often cited and used in lessons on charity and service. It stands as a reminder that we should love everyone around us, for everyone in some way is our neighbor.

But in reading through this passage in preparation for New Testament class the other day, it stuck me that we are supposed to love them as well as we love ourselves. We always talk about the great love we should bear towards others but have we ever stopped to think about what this scripture says about how we should view ourselves?

We have all these grand (and good) ideas of how we should view and treat others but have we tried applying them ourselves? How often do we find ourselves thinking negatively about our appearance, our abilities, what we're trying to accomplish? Why don't we treat ourselves like we're supposed to treat other people? Why don't we give ourselves the same kind of compassion that we bestow on others?

We tend to look for the good and the potential for good in others but deny it in ourselves. Don't forget that you're incredible too! You are a child of God with divine potential, your "own spark of divine fire" as Henry Higgins of My Fair Lady puts it. In a non-narcissistic way, take some time to appreciate yourself and your individual characteristics and personality traits. You are amazing, I can guarantee it! There is no one that can take your place. So make sure you fill it well!

I think if you took the time to consciously be kinder to ourselves, we might also be kinder to the people around us. I mean, think about it, if you didn't disparage your appearance, you wouldn't be jealous of someone else's, meaning that you would probably be kinder to them and able to give sincere compliments that could have the potential to improve their day! That's just one small example.

I believe the world needs more kindness, more compassion. So why not start with yourself? Next time you resolve to be kinder, don't forget to include yourself. Learn to love yourself and I think you'll have an even greater capacity to love others, to truly love your neighbor as yourself.

Love,
Elicia