A Guide to Proper Self-love--Hate and lust are only two of the many forms into which a healthy self-love can degenerate.

The Rule of Law: Government of the Heart (6)

Self-love is appropriate, within the framework of God’s Law.

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19.18

Hate and lust are only two of the many forms into which a healthy self-love can degenerate. The believer is called to love himself (Matt. 22.34-40). We are made in the image of God and redeemed for His glory. He loves us and commands our neighbors too as well. If we did not love ourselves we would not reflect either the character of God or His purpose for us on earth.

At the same time, self-love can become degraded and corrupt until, at its worst, it manifests in such forms as hate or lust. There are degrees of corruption prior to these, however, and the Law of God provides a valuable hedge against the tendency of our affections drift from pure and holy love and to begin the slide into corruption.

For example, the Law of God guards our hearts against indifference to the needs and wellbeing of our neighbors. We must show concern for the poor and needy, the stranger and sojourner, and those whose wellbeing depends upon our being good stewards of our possessions (cf. Ex. 21.33, 34; 22.5, 6; Deut. 15.7, 8, 11; 22.1-4; 24.17, 18; etc.). It instructs us in the proper ways of showing respect to others (cf. Ex.22.28; Lev. 19.32; Deut. 5.16; etc.). And it counsels us against taking advantage of our neighbor when we might be in a position to do so (e.g., Deut. 24.13-13).

All these are various affections of our hearts, and each suggests an opposite affection to be nurtured or suppressed: compassion rather than indifference, respect rather than neglect or scorn, forbearing rather than taking advantage. The Law does not present a complete catalogue of the various affections of the heart. Instead, it addresses the most potent of them and points to the others in order to suggest ways that we must seek to take to heart all the words of God’s Law. Thus we may learn to love Him and our neighbors from the depths of our souls, from this most important component of our being.

For a practical guide to the role of God’s Law in the life of faith, get The Ground for Christian Ethics by going to www.ailbe.org and click on our Book Store.