I have a problem with using the so-called Second Commandment as a basis for 
self-love. Rather self-love was the standard by which a person was to love 
his neighbor. A widely variable standard at best. Ephesians 5 speaks of the 
husband that loves his wife as Christ loved the Church as also loving 
himself. So we have an example of how Christians ought to love and it would 
appear as how that shows love for oneself. Also in Ephesians 4:16 believers 
build each other up in love. (cp. also John 13:34-35) Unfortunately, when 
parents fail to teach and demonstrate the love of God to their children, a 
proper self-esteem can be damaged. Furthermore, the world system is full of 
psychological methods of building up one's self-esteem which are not 
Biblically based. On the other hand, when we experience and understand the 
love of God and see ourselves as He sees us, that provides a kind of esteem 
that only God can give and that should fill us with love, joy and peace. And 
all of this is to be to His honor and glory because of Who He is!
Listening for His shout!

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Angel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: What does God call sin?


> One of the first things most parents teach their children sadly is lack of 
> love for themselves.  That is why one's individual self esteem seems to be 
> so low.  That is one of the techniques many parents use to control their 
> children.  Because, if one has low self esteem, it is more difficult to 
> stand up for what one knows is right, and therefore can be the more easily 
> led both by politicians and ones parents.  We each represent the pinnacle 
> of
> God's creation, the woman more so, as she was built and not made. 
> Further, she was the last thing God built.  As such we each should be 
> honored by firstly ourselves, then by others.  Because we each are unique 
> masterpieces. If we don't we are guilty of lack of love.  As the bible 
> says, how can we properly say we love God, if we do not love ourselves and 
> others?  How much morewill the parents, then, who first  taught us to hate 
> ourselves have to answer to God for their own sin.
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Rhonda Partain" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 9:34 AM
> Subject: Re: What does God call sin?
>
>
>> What about people who do drugs? That harms  them, so they aren't loving
>> themselves? I've often wondered how one could truly love his neighbor if 
>> he
>> or she didn't love themselves first. I think we think loving ourselves 
>> makes
>> us proud or something, but I figure I have God givven weaknesses that 
>> cause
>> me to need God more every day.
>>
>> RhondaGod given abilities, and en worth,