In this Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 22:34-40), Jesus gives us the most important commandment: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. But we should not forget that Jesus tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This means that learning to love ourselves is so important. First, we need to know ourselves. Then, we need to learn to love ourselves.

Many centuries ago, the Greek philosopher Socrates taught: "Know yourself." He understood that wisdom begins when we look at our own lives and ask as Who am I? What do I think? Why do I act this way? What are my strengths and weaknesses?

Knowing ourselves helps us understand our lives, but knowing ourselves is not enough.Sometimes, we know our weaknesses, but we judge ourselves too hard. We remember our mistakes and believe that we are not good enough. Thus why Jesus teaches us love your neighbor as yourself.

We could say that Socrates invites us to look at ourselves, while Jesus invites us to look at ourselves with love. Knowing ourselves helps us see who we are. Loving ourselves helps us accept who we are and work to become better persons.

Self-love is not selfishness or narcissism. It does not mean thinking that we are better than others. It means knowing that our lives have value, even when we make mistakes. We are not perfect, but we are worthy of love and respect.

How can we practice this love?

First, be honest with yourself. Accept your feelings and recognize your mistakes. When you fail, learn from the experience instead of telling yourself that you are a failure. Take care of your body, make time to rest, and ask for help when you need it.

Second, learn to love others through small actions. Listen when someone needs to talk. Do not judge people too quickly. Keep your promises. Respect those who think differently from you. Pay attention to people who are often forgotten.

In the first reading (Exodus 22:20-26), God asks his people to protect foreigners, widows, and orphans. Their suffering matters to him. Our love must also be seen in how we treat people who are poor, lonely, or in need. Remember, loving others does not mean accepting everything they do. You can say no, set healthy limits, and protect yourself from abuse while still respecting others.

Finally, make room for God in your life. Speak to him in prayer. Read his Word. Ask him to help you see yourself and others as he sees us. Jesus reminds us that loving God means keeping his word (John 14:23). Knowing ourselves is important, but love helps us grow. When we learn to accept ourselves, we become more able to accept others. When we care for others, we put God's love into action.

Know yourself. Love yourself. Love your neighbor. Love God. These are not separate paths. They belong together. Let us begin today, with one small action that shows respect for ourselves, kindness to another person, and love for God.

1.⁠ ⁠Do I truly know and accept myself, including my strengths, weaknesses, and mistakes, or do I judge myself too harshly and forget that I am worthy of love and respect?
2.⁠ ⁠How can I put Jesus’ commandment of love into practice by caring for myself, loving God, and showing kindness and compassion to those who are poor, lonely, or often forgotten?