Season: 22 Episode: 321
Episode Description
Is self-love biblical?
It’s one of the most popular messages in modern culture. We’re told to love ourselves, prioritize ourselves, protect our peace, and put ourselves first. But is that really what Scripture teaches?
In this episode, Shanda explores a surprising verse from Proverbs 19:8 that appears to connect wisdom with loving oneself. From there, she dives into what the Bible actually says about self-love, why many Christians misunderstand passages like Matthew 22:39, and whether the modern self-love movement aligns with biblical teaching.
You’ll also hear an evaluation of a Desiring God article that argues for three types of self-love—natural, sinful, and supernatural—and whether those categories hold up biblically.
If you’ve ever wondered whether self-love is a biblical concept or simply a cultural idea that has found its way into the church, this episode will help you think through the issue biblically.
In This Episode
- A surprising verse about self-love in Proverbs 19:8 (It’s not what you think)
- Why culture struggles to define love
- The difference between God’s love and self-focused love
- What Jesus meant by “love your neighbor as yourself”
- Why Scripture warns against becoming lovers of self
- The connection between self-love and the sins listed in 2 Timothy 3
- Augustine’s concept of disordered loves
- The three types of self-love proposed in a Desiring God article
- Shanda’s response to natural, sinful, and “supernatural” self-love
- Why self-denial—not self-love—is central to Christian discipleship
- Practical questions for evaluating where your affections are directed
Key Scriptures
- Proverbs 19:8
- Matthew 22:37–39
- 1 John 4:19
- 1 Corinthians 13
- 2 Timothy 3:1–5
- Matthew 16:24–25
- Ephesians 5:28
- Matthew 6:33
- 1 Timothy 6:10
Key Takeaway
The problem isn’t that people don’t love themselves enough. The problem is that they don’t love God first. When God becomes the object of our affection, we are freed to love others sacrificially rather than making ourselves the center of our lives.
Mentioned in This Episode
Bible Interpretation Workshop
Interested in bringing biblical interpretation training to your women’s ministry, church, or event?
Email: hello@shandafulbright.com
Expedition to Reality
A live worldview course for students in grades 6–9 exploring Islam, Christianity, and competing worldviews.
Website: onlinechristiancourses.com
Her Faith Inspires Newsletter
Stay updated on upcoming challenges, events, resources, and recommendations.
Website: shandafulbright.com
Sources & Resources Referenced
Desiring God Article
- Mark Jones, “No One Loved Himself Like Jesus”
Desiring God Article: No One Loved Himself Like Jesus
Fatherlessness Statistics
- America First Policy Institute (Fatherlessness Statistics)
America First Policy Institute - National Information System for Family and Household Statistics
America’s Single-Parent Households and Missing Fathers - No Longer Fatherless Statistics
No Longer Fatherless Statistics - Nick Cady Article on Lifeway Research and Family Faith Transmission
Why Fathers Matter More Than Mothers in Church Attendance
Connect with Shanda
For speaking events, Bible study workshops, and additional resources, visit shandafulbright.com.
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps more women learn to think biblically and live faithfully in today’s culture.
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