“He that falls in love with himself, will have no rivals” (Benjamin Franklin). “Self-love” in the sense of “self-occupation” or “self-centeredness” tends to repulse people. We should avoid thinking of ourselves “more highly than we ought to think” (Romans 12:3).
But God made us and His Son gave His life for us, and we should gain a healthy “self-image” from this knowledge. My life is not to be thrown away. It is to be used.
Jesus, who had no “identity crisis,” taught us about such things. He said that He came to serve (Matthew 20:20-8), teaching us to serve others as well.
He said “love your neighbor as yourself.” One cannot have a good attitude toward others without a proper regard for self. We “nourish and cherish” ourselves, as well we should. But even this thought is used to teach husbands to care for their wives (Ephesians 5:22-33).
We should not abuse ourselves, but neither should we be absorbed with ourselves. A proper balance of “self-denial” (Matthew 16:25-26) and personal responsibility will help us avoid unhealthy extremes. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) – this is that balance in a nutshell.