C02.03.96.htm

CONCERNING THE WORLDLY FALLACY THAT
IT IS NECESSARY TO LOVE ONESELF BEFORE
ONE CAN SHOW LOVE TO OTHERS.

While it is absolutely essential that we have love, we must also learn how to show it beneficially. (1 Cor 13:1 7). Unenlightened people believe that you must love yourself before it is possible to show love to others. In reply to this, one is mindful of the inspired warning given by the apostle Paul concerning "critical times hard to deal with will be here". He said that men would be "lovers of themselves". (2 Tim 3:1,2).

Love is a quality we should have for our Heavenly Father Jehovah, so that we willingly follow the righteous rule of conduct revealed through The Christ His Son, and that we may know how to show love to others. True love is not a quality that looks for its own interests, so it cannot be shown in deeds that are calculated to benefit oneself. True love is an outward expression of ourselves, requiring accurate knowledge of the Will of God and of another's physical or spiritual needs before one can show love through deeds that are meaningful and beneficial.

In relation to the love that Christ had for the apostle Paul, Paul explained why his own knowledge of love was partial: "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). Through the love and mercy of The Christ, Paul was progressively lifted from his Godless state of ignorance to that of accurate knowledge as to how perfect love is shown. (Acts 9:3-6 & 20). The Holy Scriptures clarify to whom one should show love, and how*:

	*"You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart"*.	(Matt 22:37).
	*"You must love your neighbour as yourself."*	(Matt 22:39).
	*"Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you"*.	(Matt 5:44).
	*"And if you love those loving you, of what credit is it to you?"*	(Luke 6:32).
	*"…you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves"*.	(John 13:35).
	*"...to have The Christ dwell through your faith in your hearts with love".*	(Eph 3:17).
	**"... let us love, neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth." ***	(1 John 3:18).
	*Love "does not look for its own interests".*	(1 Cor 13:5)

Love follows the principle: "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person". (1 Cor 10:24). In merely loving oneself, one is selfishly seeking one's own advantage. Nowhere in the Scriptures does it say or imply you must love solely yourself. 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 is part of your wholesouled love for the rule of conduct of The Christ, sharing your spiritual knowledge with your "neighbour" in obedience to God firstly with your family and neighbours, then to others who will listen. (1 Tim 5:8).

AGAPÉ: [Gr. Brotherly love]. Love guided by principle.

2/3/96.