Day 5: Philautia, Seeing Yourself as God Does
Bible passage: Psalm 139:13–14; Mark 12:30–31
A Right View of Yourself
Today is Tuesday 12th of April 2022. Welcome to Day 5 of our 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Today’s word is philautia, love of self, and it needs careful handling.
The Bible warns us that in the last days people will love only themselves (2 Timothy 3:2). That selfish kind of self-love puts me first in everything. But Scripture also assumes a healthy regard for ourselves, and it is that we are looking at today.
What the Bible Says
You Are God’s Workmanship
David looked at how God had formed him in his mother’s womb and worshipped. “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!” Psalm 139:14 (NLT)
Notice where his eyes are. He is not admiring himself. He is admiring his Maker. To value your life is to honour the One who made it. To despise yourself is to argue with His handiwork.
As You Love Yourself
Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:30–31). He takes it for granted that we look after ourselves, and Paul says the same: nobody hates their own body but feeds and cares for it (Ephesians 5:29).
If I believe I am worthless, I will find it hard to believe that God loves me and hard to love anyone else freely. A right view of myself sets me free to give.
Neither Pride nor Self-Hatred
Two Ditches
There is a ditch on each side of this road. One is pride: thinking I am better than others and need nobody. The other is self-contempt: believing I am a mistake. The gospel lifts us out of both. I am a sinner who needed a Saviour, so I cannot boast. And I am so loved that Christ died for me, so I cannot despair.
Growing in Health
Proverbs says that to get wisdom is to love yourself (Proverbs 19:8). Caring for yourself is not selfish when it makes you more able to serve.
Agree with God. Write down three true things God says about you in His Word, and read them aloud.
Look after what He gave you. Rest, eat well, move your body and guard your mind.
Keep growing. Accept who God made you, and ask Him to change what needs to change.
If you are struggling with dark thoughts about yourself, please do not carry them alone. Talk to someone you trust, speak to your GP, or contact our pastoral team. You matter to God and you matter to us.
Prayer Points for Today
Pray that we would see ourselves as God sees us.
Pray for those whose sense of worth is low, that God would rebuild it on His truth.
Pray for freedom from fear, shame and comparison, and for peace of mind.
Pray that being secure in God’s love would make us better able to love others.
Prayer for Today:
Father, thank You that You made me and that You do not make mistakes. Forgive me for pride, and forgive me for the times I have despised what You created. Help me to see myself through Your eyes: forgiven, chosen and loved. Heal the wounds that have shaped how I see myself, and set me free to love others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keep going
See every day of this guide on our Prayer & Fasting page.
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