Understanding how we love God, ourselves, and others reveals a strong link between these relationships that greatly influences how we treat others and what we believe… beginning with ourselves.
This connection shows that our love for God, ourselves, and others is closely connected and affects how we see the world, how we behave towards ourselves, and how we interact with those around us.
By valuing and nurturing these connections, we can build a basis of love and empathy that shapes our daily interactions and our core beliefs about life and our roles within it.
We cannot give what we do not have.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:37-39
Love for God
Loving God implies acknowledging a higher power, a source of unconditional love, wisdom, and guidance. It involves having faith, trust, and reverence for something greater than ourselves. Loving God also entails living in alignment with values that reflect this love, such as compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Love for Self
Self-love is crucial in the context of loving others. It involves accepting oneself with all strengths and weaknesses, nurturing one’s well-being, and setting boundaries that uphold personal growth and happiness. Without self-love, it becomes challenging to extend genuine love and compassion to others.
Love for Others
Loving others as we love ourselves suggests treating others with the same kindness, empathy, and respect that we show ourselves. It involves recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, irrespective of differences. By practicing empathy, understanding, and altruism towards others, we create harmonious relationships built on mutual care and support.
What Goes Around, Comes Around
The reciprocity in loving God, loving oneself, and loving others is profound. It highlights the interconnectedness of these relationships. When we cultivate a deep sense of love for ourselves and for a higher power, we are better equipped to extend that love outward towards others. It is a cycle of giving and receiving love that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.