In today’s productivity-driven world, self-love is often misunderstood as selfishness. Yet, spiritual teachings and the Bible emphasize that loving ourselves is crucial and divinely inspired, enhancing our ability to love others. These 160 Bible verses about self love shows how essential it is for a fulfilling and faith-filled life. These verses encourage self-care and help us recognize our worth in God’s eyes, reflecting a balanced biblical perspective on self-love, faith, and our interactions with others.
Self Love through Self-Worth
- Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
- Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
- Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
- Luke 12:7 – “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
- Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- Matthew 10:31 – “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
- Psalm 139:17-18 – “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.”
- Isaiah 43:4 – “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.”
- Zephaniah 3:17 – “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Self Love Through Self Care
- Mark 6:31 – “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:13 – “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
- 1 Timothy 4:8 – “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
- Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
- 3 John 1:2 – “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”
- Psalm 127:2 – “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
- Exodus 20:8-10 – “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work…”
- Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Self Love and Loving Yourself Well
- Matthew 22:39 – “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
- Galatians 5:14 – “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
- Ephesians 5:29 – “After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—”
- Proverbs 19:8 – “The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”
- Leviticus 19:18 – “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
- Proverbs 3:15-18 – “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.”
- 1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”
- Psalm 36:7 – “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:2 – “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
- Psalm 139:13-14 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Self Love Through Healing and Renewal
- Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
- Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
- Jeremiah 17:14 – “Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
- Isaiah 57:18-19 – “I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
- Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
- 1 Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
- Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
- Malachi 4:2 – “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”
- Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Self Love by Finding Joy and Peace
- Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
- Proverbs 24:27 – “Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.”
- Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
- Nehemiah 8:10 – “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.’”
- Psalm 4:7 – “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.”
- Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
- Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
- Psalm 94:19 – “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
- Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
- Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Self Love from Strength and Courage in Loving God
- Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Mark 12:31 – “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
- Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
- Psalm 27:1 – “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
- Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
- 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
- Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Self Love by Having Faith and Trust in God
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
- Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
- Psalm 28:7 – “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
- Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
- Isaiah 26:4 – “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
- Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:”
- Acts 20:24 – “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
- Psalm 62:8 – “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
- Proverbs 16:20 – “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.”
Self Love by Having Gratitude and Thankfulness
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
- Psalm 107:1 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
- Ephesians 5:20 – “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
- Psalm 9:1 – “I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”
- Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
- Psalm 95:2-3 – “Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.”
- James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Compassion and Kindness and Self Love
- Colossians 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
- Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- 1 Peter 3:8 – “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
- Proverbs 21:21 – “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”
- Luke 6:35 – “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
- Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
- Proverbs 11:17 – “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
- Zechariah 7:9 – “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.”
- 1 John 3:17-18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Forgiveness and Reconciliation through Self Love
- Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
- Ephesians 4:31-32 – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
- Luke 17:3-4 – “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 – “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
- Matthew 18:21-22 – “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”
- Psalm 85:10 – “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”
- 1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
- James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
- Luke 6:37 – “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Wisdom and Guidance as a Form of Self Love
- Proverbs 2:6 – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
- James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Proverbs 4:6-7 – “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
- Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
- Proverbs 3:13-14 – “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”
- James 3:17 – “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
- Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
- Proverbs 19:20 – “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
- Ecclesiastes 7:12 – “For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.”
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Self Love from Having Patience and Perseverance with Self and Others
- Romans 5:3-4 – “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
- Colossians 1:11-12 – “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”
- Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
- Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
- 2 Peter 1:5-6 – “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness.”
- Luke 21:19 – “Stand firm, and you will win life.”
- Psalm 37:34 – “Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.”
- Hebrews 10:36 – “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”
Self Love with Service and Giving
- Matthew 25:35-36 – “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
- Acts 20:35 – “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
- Hebrews 13:16 – “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
- 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
- Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
- Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
- Galatians 5:13 – “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
- Matthew 20:28 – “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
- Philippians 2:4 – “Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Self Love with Hope and Assurance
- Romans 15:4 – “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
- 1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
- Psalm 39:7 – “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”
- 1 Samuel 30:6 – “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 – “I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
- 1 Peter 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
- Titus 3:7 – “So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
- Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”
- Psalm 71:5 – “For you have been my hope, Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:8 – “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
Self Love and Compassion
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
- Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
- 1 John 4:7-8 – “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
- Colossians 3:14 – “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- Romans 12:9 – “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
- Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
- John 13:34-35 – “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
- 1 John 4:16 – “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”
- Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
- Luke 10:27 – “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
What about self-love through masturbation? Is Masturbation a Sin in the Bible?
Self Love from Peace and Tranquility
- John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
- Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Isaiah 54:10 – “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
- Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
- Psalm 34:14 – “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
- Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
- James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
- Proverbs 12:20 – “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:27 – “No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
- 1 Samuel 18:1 – “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
Conclusion
Reflecting on these 160 Bible verses about self love reminds us of the deep spiritual basis for treating ourselves with kindness and respect. Each verse guides and encourages us to recognize our value as beloved creations of God. These teachings reveal that self-love is essential, not just for our own well-being but also for enriching the lives of those around us. Let’s carry these inspiring messages in our hearts as we continue our journey of faith!