Book Review | Loving Yourself by Richard Frost

Loving Yourself (SLG Press, 2025)

by Richard Frost

Reviewer: Tanya Stead

I have to admit, the title of this book instantly caught my attention. With a to-be-read pile that never seems to end, I still found myself reaching for this short but striking read by Richard Frost. It’s concise, thoughtful, and surprisingly rich – the kind of book you can finish in one sitting but reflect on for days afterwards.

The book features correspondence from ordinary people exploring what the phrase ‘as yourself’ might mean in the well-known commandment: ‘The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.’ (Mark 12:31). I appreciated the various interpretations of what that phrase means to different people. It must have been important for Jesus to have said it. Richard then draws these threads together, offering his own reflections with care, humility, and solid biblical grounding.

One of the book’s strengths is how sensitively it handles the idea of ‘loving yourself’. In a culture that can so easily confuse self-love with self-worship, Richard reminds us that true, godly self-love begins with understanding who we are in relation to God – our identity in Christ. He encourages a healthy self-respect and dependence on the Almighty – the kind of love that overflows naturally into love for others.

I found this booklet both inspiring and practical. It even helped shape a talk I gave called ‘But the Greatest of These is Love’. Whether you’re preparing a sermon, leading a small group, or simply reflecting on your own discipleship, this book offers a gentle but thought-provoking guide to deepening your understanding of what it really means to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’.

Purchase the book here.

Reviewer:

Tanya Stead is the editor of Preach magazine.