Is it Wrong to Practice Self-Love & Self-Care as a Christian?

From Sunday school lessons to sermons at the pulpit, Christians are often taught to put others before themselves, embracing humility and self-sacrifice as the highest virtues. The parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus washing the disciples' feet, and countless teachings emphasize serving others. Yet, in a world where mental health and self-care have become vital conversations, a pressing question arises: Is it wrong to practice self-love as a Christian? Is it a detour from the path of selflessness that Christianity advocates, or could it be a crucial component of truly loving others?

Let's talk about it.

To understand whether self-love has a place in Christian practice, we should first look at what the Scriptures say about loving oneself. In the Gospel of Matthew 22:39, Jesus summarizes the Law with two commandments, the second being, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This inherently assumes that we possess a certain degree of self-love; after all, one cannot love others as oneself without first having love for oneself. This form of self-love is not about egoism or self-centeredness but about recognizing our value as beings created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). It involves acknowledging our worth, taking care of our physical and mental well-being, and embracing the unique gifts and talents that God gave us. By practicing healthy self-love, we equip ourselves to better serve others, embodying the love and compassion that Jesus exemplified.

Not only does God encourage self-love, but He also wants us to practice self-care. God established the Sabbath as a day of rest not just for worship but also for the well-being of His people (Exodus 20:8-10). So when we allow ourselves time to rest, we acknowledge our human limitations and trust in Him.

Another example is setting healthy boundaries in relationships. Jesus Himself did not say "yes" to every request or demand made of Him. There were times He withdrew from the crowds to pray and be alone (Luke 5:16). This teaches us that it's acceptable to prioritize our own spiritual and emotional health so that we can be more effective in our ministry and relationships. For instance, if you're constantly saying "yes" to commitments out because you feel obligated, you may find yourself exhausted and less able to serve to the best of your ability. You can't do what he needs you to if you're all burned out, friend.

This topic is something that I really struggled with. I'm a Southern girl, raised in a Baptist church, so one thing I knew to be was a selfless Christian. In my mind, there was no room for self-love when my duty was to put others' needs before mine. However, I found myself totally depleted and so depressed because I wasn't practicing self-care while I took care of others. With that said, I believe that Jesus approves of self-love and self-care, as long as it is in a healthy manner. Acknowledging our worth as creations made in the image of God empowers us to care for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

By embracing self-love, we are better equipped to love others effectively, without burnout. Jesus modeled this balance by taking time for rest and communion with the Father, demonstrating that self-care enhances our capacity to fulfill our divine purpose. Therefore, self-love is not only permissible but essential in living out the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself." It is through this harmonious blend of self-care and selflessness that we can genuinely reflect God's love to the world.