I’ve had some interesting conversations lately and have been reminded of these verses. As a Jesus follower, I’m commanded to love God above everything, including myself, and to love others the same way I love myself. It can’t be don’t if I put myself first like the world keeps saying. I have to put God first and by humble and have an attitude of service towards others. That doesn’t mean I don’t take care of myself or that I’m a doormat. I love others in the same way that I love myself.
If I’m critical of others, especially those close to me - that isn’t love, it isn’t humble, it isn’t constructive and it isn’t helpful. We can teach kindly and demonstrate correction without criticism and without self-centeredness. “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21