Self-Care and Service: Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Unpacking the Second Command to Love Thy Neighbour as Thyself
The hierarchy of needs concept, popularized by psychologist Abraham Maslow, provides a framework for understanding human motivation and behavior. Maslow's hierarchy suggests that individuals must fulfill basic needs like food, shelter, and safety before they can pursue higher-level needs such as belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. When we apply this framework to the concept of fulfilling our Christian command to “love thy neighbour as thyself,” it becomes evident that before we can extend genuine care and support to our neighbours, we must first ensure that our own fundamental needs are met.
In essence our ability to love others authentically is directly tied to how we love and take care of ourselves. Just as Maslow's hierarchy suggests that individuals cannot effectively pursue higher-level needs without first addressing basic necessities, so too must we recognize the necessity of attending to our own well-being before we can effectively care for those around us.
Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Matthew 22:36-40
As Christians, it is important to take time to care for ourselves so that we can care for others more effectively. As we move up the hierarchy, we become more and more capable and effective in our ministry with others.
Consider the following graphic, which illustrates Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Take time to identify where you may have gaps and commit to addressing them to the best of your ability. By nurturing our own well-being, we not only honor the commandment to love ourselves but also equip ourselves to fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.