“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12
The Golden Rule. Loving others as yourself. Were these terms or verses you were raised with and do you still quote or even believe in them today?
When you hear these terms, what comes to mind? Placing others before yourself, their needs above your own? Laying down your life for others? Seeing yourself as second, third or farther down the list of importance? Maybe even seeing yourself as unimportant?
Both the Old and New Testaments relate the importance of loving your neighbor as yourself.
(See Matthew 22:24-40 and Mark 12-28-31)
Ever hear a flight attendant when they’re giving instructions regarding utilizing oxygen masks prior to take off?
“If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your own mask first before assisting others.”
Why is this so important, placing your mask on first — attending to yourself BEFORE helping others?
Seems pretty obvious, right?! You can’t help others if you’re not healthy or taking care of yourself first. You can only give what you possess. You need to be in good shape to care for others. You need to love yourself to love others. (Let me say that again…)
One needs to love themself before they can truly love others.
Does this fly in the face of the scriptures or the way the “church” sometimes encourages placing others first? I don’t think so.
I think what Jesus is saying in Matthew and Mark is pretty simple. Loving others presumes you love yourself, which means taking care of yourself so you have a basis to give and truly love others.
Does placing others first feel exhausting, like you’re running on fumes? May I ask a tough question (rhetorically, of course)?
Have you been taking care of yourself?
If not, I firmly believe you have Jesus’ permission to minister to yourself so you can minister to others. Fill your own cup so you can share the love and help fill other’s cups.
Biblically speaking…
Loving others presumes you love yourself.
You are loved beyond measure, my Friend. Big HUG.
