Of course, it is absolutely essential that we have and show love, (1 Cor Ch.13), but we need knowledge of how to show it beneficially. Unenlightened people believe that one must first love oneself before it is even possible to show love to others. In answer to this, I am mindful of the inspired warning which the apostle Paul gave concerning an opposing quality "hard to deal with", one which would ruin mankind during the "last days": That men would be "lovers of themselves". (2 Tim 3:1,2).

Love is a quality that should be felt for God, causing us to obey His rules of conduct revealed through His Son; and then shown to others. True love cannot be shown in deeds to oneself, then to others. However, we should be kind to ourselves. True meaningful love is an outward expression from us, requiring accurate knowledge of God's Will and of human needs, before we can show loving deeds of a meaningful, lasting nature to others.

Concerning The Christ's love shown to Paul, and after saying "love never fails", Paul explained why his own knowledge of love was still only partial, like looking into a hazy outline of himself in a metal mirror: "For at present we see in hazy outline by means of a metal mirror, but then it will be face to face. At present I know partially, but then I shall know accurately even as I am accurately known. Now, however, there remain faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love". (1 Cor 13:12,13).

By Christ's love, shown to him through deeds, Paul was progressively being brought away from his unGodly state of ignorance, toward that of acquiring knowledge of how to show perfect love.

Love follows this principle: "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person". (1 Cor 10:24). In loving oneself, one would of course be selfishly seeking one's own advantage. Nowhere in Holy Scripture does it say or imply you must love yourself. When addressing his spiritual brothers concerning agapé love, Paul said: "You must love your neighbour as yourself", meaning as you desire to be loved. (Gal 5:14). This should be within your wholesouled love for the rules of conduct expressed by The Christ, sharing spiritual knowledge with your neighbour in obedience to God. Firstly, with your family and neighbours who are near, then to others who will listen. (1 Tim 5:8).

                   AGAPÉ:  [Gr. Brotherly love]. Love guided by principle.
        NEIGHBOUR: A person who dwells near another: a person or thing that is near. (Oxford Dictionary).

2/3/96.