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Jesus tells us: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mk…

“Jesus tells us: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mk 12:31). How can we love our neighbor if we can’t or won’t love ourselves, at least a little? When we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards, that perfectionist attitude can’t help but trickle down. It becomes harder to have compassion for…” quote by Mary DeTurris Poust
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““Jesus tells us: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Mk 12:31). How can we love our neighbor if we can’t or won’t love ourselves, at least a little? When we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards, that perfectionist attitude can’t help but trickle down. It becomes harder to have compassion for others if we have no compassion for ourselves.””

Mary DeTurris Poust

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Loving others requires self‑compassion; without it, perfectionism hinders empathy.

In simple terms: Self‑love enables love of others.

Key Takeaway

Practice self‑compassion.

Themes

compassion self‑esteem perfectionism spirituality

Mood

empathetic inspirational

Type

spiritual psychological

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • spiritual practice
  • support groups

Key Concepts

psychology theology mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance self‑care with caring for others?
  • What habits foster healthy self‑compassion?
A Different Perspective

Self‑love can be mistaken for selfishness.

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