Well, the problem with that advice from Jesus, which sounds great on the surface, is that most of us don’t really love ourselves. Our inner critic won’t allow it. That’s why so many people crave love, which in this case means validation that “I” matter. And why so many people look to Jesus and God for that love. I believe that unconditional love for oneself, meaning unconditional acceptance, opens up the path to the kingdom of heaven of which Jesus spoke.

Interestingly, Buddhism takes the approach of trying to expunge “I”, to eliminate the need for validation and acceptance. I don’t think that’s feasible for most people. It sure seems to take a lot of work.