Nowadays, self-love is frequently misinterpreted. While some perceive it as pride or arrogance, others see it as selfishness. However, self-love has a different meaning in the Bible. It has nothing to do with putting ourselves above other people or putting our own needs ahead of God’s. Rather, it is about realizing our value in Christ, realizing that we are made in God’s image, and taking care of ourselves in a way that glorifies Him. Humility, thankfulness, and stewardship of the life that God has given us are the foundations of true biblical self-love.
According to the Bible verses about self love, loving oneself is linked to loving others and following God’s instructions. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” as Jesus Himself taught, suggests that loving oneself is a prerequisite for loving others. Serving, loving, and ministering to people around us becomes challenging if we disregard our own physical, mental, and spiritual health. This demonstrates that loving oneself is a duty rather than a luxury. We can freely show such love to others by accepting the identity that God has given us.
Furthermore, self-love enables us to withstand the deceptions of the adversary. Satan frequently targets us by making us feel inadequate, unwanted, or undeserving. Scripture, however, reminds us that God loves us and has chosen and rescued us. Using God’s Word to cultivate a healthy sense of self-love protects us from self-loathing and increases our faith in our divine purpose. As God views us, we start to perceive ourselves as valuable, forgivable, and equipped for His purposes.
In order to remind you of your worth in Christ and to inspire you to take care of yourself the way God wants, this article compiles 35 potent Bible verses about self-love. Every verse conveys a timeless truth about how we need to view ourselves—not with arrogance, but with a love centered on Christ that enables us to live freely and purposefully. May you be reminded as you read that self-love is God-centered acceptance of who you are, not self-centeredness.
35 Inspiring Bible Verses About Self Love in 2025
1. 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.”
This foundational verse teaches that every person is made in the image of God. Understanding this truth is the beginning of biblical self-love. It reminds us that we are not accidents or mistakes—we carry God’s likeness and reflect His glory. When we embrace this, we learn to value ourselves as God does, which forms the foundation for loving others.
2. 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.”
This verse shows that loving others is connected to loving ourselves. Self-love, according to Scripture, is not selfishness but a recognition of our worth in God. We are called to treat others with the same kindness, respect, and care that we extend to ourselves. When we walk in this balance, we fulfill God’s command to love.
3. 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.”
God’s promise of presence affirms our value and strengthens our hearts. Self-love flourishes when we understand that we are never alone. Knowing that God will never forsake us builds confidence and courage. This truth teaches us to care for ourselves with assurance in His love and to live without fear.
4. Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
David’s declaration is a powerful reminder of self-worth. Recognizing that God made us with intentionality helps us cultivate a healthy self-love. We are not random or flawed creations, but purposeful works of the Creator. Embracing this truth encourages us to love ourselves as God intended.
5. Proverbs 19:8
“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”
Wisdom is a form of self-care and self-love. Seeking God’s wisdom helps us make decisions that protect and nurture our lives. This verse teaches that valuing knowledge and discernment is a way of showing love to ourselves, ensuring that our steps are ordered in the right direction.
6. Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
This verse portrays the strength and dignity God instills in His people. True self-love is not about appearances but about inner confidence rooted in God’s promises. When we embrace strength and dignity as God’s gifts, we can face the future with joy and assurance, knowing our identity is secure in Him.
7. Song of Solomon 4:7
“You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”
Though spoken in a romantic context, this verse beautifully reflects God’s view of His children. Self-love begins when we accept the truth that in God’s eyes, we are beautiful and valuable. Instead of focusing on flaws, we are encouraged to celebrate the beauty God placed within us.
8. 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.”
God declares His people precious and honored in His sight. This is a profound reminder of our worth. When we internalize this truth, self-love becomes an act of agreeing with God’s perspective. We are deeply loved and valued, not by our own merit, but by His unchanging affection.
9. 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.
God’s unfailing love is the anchor of self-love. Even when circumstances are unstable, His compassion remains. Recognizing that His love is unshakable helps us to live confidently, secure in His embrace. Self-love flows naturally from knowing we are always held by His grace.
10. Jeremiah 31:3
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’”
God’s everlasting love is the foundation for our value. His kindness draws us closer and teaches us to embrace ourselves as He does. This verse reassures us that self-love is not fleeting but rooted in an eternal reality—God’s unfailing affection for His children.
11. Matthew 10:31
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Jesus reminds us of our worth by comparing us to sparrows, creatures God tenderly cares for. If He values them, how much more valuable are we to Him? Knowing our worth in God’s eyes is essential to practicing self-love with humility and gratitude.
12. Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus ties self-love directly to the commandment of loving others. This implies that healthy self-love is necessary for genuine relationships. We cannot extend love to others if we do not first value ourselves. Self-love equips us to live out Christ’s command in a balanced, God-honoring way.
13. Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Reaffirming the teaching of Matthew, Mark emphasizes the inseparable link between self-love and neighborly love. This repetition underscores its importance. Self-love is not indulgence; it is preparation for serving others with compassion, patience, and grace.
14. Luke 12:7
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
This verse emphasizes God’s intimate knowledge of us. Every detail of our lives matters to Him. When we realize how closely God watches over us, self-love grows naturally. We are valuable not because of what we do, but because of who we are to God—deeply known and loved.
15. John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The greatest expression of love is God’s sacrifice of His Son for humanity. This verse is central to our understanding of self-worth. God’s willingness to redeem us through Christ proves our immeasurable value. Self-love begins by accepting this incredible truth: we are worth the life of Jesus.
16. John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Jesus’ love for us becomes the measure of how we love others—and ourselves. This verse calls us to receive His love fully so we can extend it. True self-love mirrors Christ’s compassion, reminding us that we are worthy of love because He loved us first.
17. Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
This verse underscores that God’s love is unconditional. Even in our brokenness, He valued us enough to send Christ to die for us. Self-love rooted in this truth is not pride, but gratitude—accepting that if God loves us despite our flaws, we can love ourselves too.
18. Romans 8:37
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Our identity as conquerors in Christ is a powerful foundation for self-love. This verse affirms that our worth is not defined by defeat but by victory through Jesus. Loving ourselves means embracing our position in Christ and walking confidently in His strength.
19. Romans 12:3
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Paul warns against arrogance but encourages a balanced view of self. Biblical self-love is not about boasting but about sober judgment. It’s recognizing our worth without inflating it—living in humility, gratitude, and awareness of God’s grace.
20. 1 Corinthians 3:16
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
Our bodies and lives are sacred, housing the Spirit of God. This truth elevates our understanding of self-worth. Practicing self-love means caring for ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually as stewards of God’s temple.
21. 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.”
This verse reveals the depth of our worth: we were bought with a price. Self-love involves honoring ourselves because we belong to God. It’s an act of reverence to care for our bodies and souls, knowing they are precious to Him.
22. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Self-love is strengthened by embracing our new identity in Christ. The past does not define us—God has made us new. Loving ourselves means letting go of shame and walking confidently in the transformation He has given us.
23. Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Paul’s declaration reminds us of the foundation of self-worth: Christ’s indwelling love. Self-love is not self-centered; it’s Christ-centered. Knowing He lives in us empowers us to value ourselves as temples of His presence.
24. Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
This verse echoes a recurring theme—self-love is a command woven into the law of God. We cannot truly love others without first understanding our worth in God. Healthy self-love enables us to live out this command with sincerity and compassion.
25. 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.”
We are God’s masterpiece, uniquely designed for a purpose. Recognizing this truth is vital for self-love. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we embrace the fact that God intentionally crafted us to fulfill His plan, making us invaluable in His kingdom.
26. Ephesians 3:17–18
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
Self-love is nurtured when we comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love. Being rooted in His love allows us to see ourselves through His eyes. When we grasp this truth, insecurity fades, and we learn to embrace ourselves with the same grace He offers.
27. 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.”
Paul uses the example of caring for one’s body to illustrate Christ’s love for the church. This teaches us that tending to our needs is not selfish—it reflects healthy self-love. God calls us to steward our well-being in a way that honors Him.
28. Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
This verse reminds us that we are works in progress. Self-love includes being patient with ourselves, trusting that God is shaping us daily. Knowing He will complete His work in us allows us to embrace ourselves with grace rather than harsh criticism.
29. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Christ is our strength, and in Him, we find confidence. Self-love is recognizing that while our abilities are limited, God empowers us. Embracing this truth fills us with courage to face challenges without fear, knowing His strength sustains us.
30. Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
This verse highlights our identity as God’s chosen and dearly loved people. Self-love is rooted in this truth—we are holy and precious to Him. Embracing this identity equips us to treat ourselves and others with compassion and grace.
31. 1 Thessalonians 1:4
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.”
Being chosen by God is a profound affirmation of our worth. Self-love grows as we accept this truth: we are not overlooked but intentionally loved. This recognition encourages us to value ourselves as cherished members of God’s family.
32. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
Peace is essential for self-love. This blessing reminds us that God desires us to live in wholeness and calm. When we receive His peace, we are able to nurture our souls, love ourselves rightly, and reflect His love outward.
33. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Self-love includes embracing the Spirit’s gifts within us. God has equipped us with power, love, and self-control, enabling us to live boldly and wisely. Recognizing these qualities affirms our value and empowers us to live confidently in His will.
34. 1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
Our identity as God’s children is the highest affirmation of our worth. Self-love flows from understanding this truth. We are not defined by the world’s standards but by God’s declaration—we are His beloved children, fully accepted in His family.
35. 1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
Self-love begins with receiving God’s love. This verse shows that our capacity to love ourselves and others stems from Him. When we embrace His first love, we learn to value ourselves rightly and share that love with the world.
Conclusion
According to Scripture, self-love is a healthy recognition of our God-given value rather than selfishness or vanity. We are created in the image of God, redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, as the Bible constantly tells us. These facts confirm that we are incredibly loved, valuable, and precious. Knowing and accepting this fact enables us to cultivate a Christ-centered self-love that results in thankfulness and humility rather than haughtiness.
Living completely in God’s purpose is made possible by practicing biblical self-love. We are better able to love others as God commands when we take care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It is evident from the exhortation to “love your neighbor as yourself” that loving oneself is a prerequisite for coexisting peacefully with others. Only when we embrace God’s love for ourselves can we be kind, patient, and compassionate toward others. The lies of the enemy, which aim to make us feel unwanted or undeserving, are rejected when we base our self-love on God’s truth.
Let these 35 potent Bible passages about self-love serve as a reminder that God’s timeless truth, not the norms of the outside world, determines your worth. You are chosen, redeemed, cherished, and fearfully and wonderfully made. To agree with God’s view of your value is to love yourself. And as you live out this reality, you will radiate Christ’s love to everyone around you in addition to feeling free and at peace within. Allow these verses to inspire you every day to accept who you are in God’s eyes and to boldly and firmly live out that love.
