Loving Yourself

by Richard Frost

‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’ is one of Jesus’s most well-known and often quoted sayings. (Mark 12:31) Probably most of us feel comfortable with the ‘love your neighbour’ part of Jesus’s words: thinking of others, being kind to people.

But what about, ‘as yourself’? To have love for ourselves in the same way as we love others? Umm… more tricky, that.

Loving Yourself explores how our love for both neighbour and ourselves stems from God’s love for us. It considers the background and context of Jesus’s words; what it means (and what it doesn’t mean) to have love for ourselves; and how we can love ourselves in a way which enables us to love our neighbour. The book offers practical suggestions – and, yes, wrestles with some of the trickier parts too.

50 pages, Paperback

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

Over the years, Richard has written many articles, book reviews and numerous other ways of crafting and enjoying words. He has written seven books (3 fiction; 4 non-fiction) and writes a blog at http://workrestpray.com/ and presents a podcast.

In his paid employment career, he helped people to find or remain in work and specialised in supporting people with mental health conditions. He lives in Devon, UK and is a lay minister in the Church of England. He was appointed MBE for services to mental health in 2018

Reviews

[Lauren Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book written with care and intention. The message is clear, the tone is respectful, and the insights are thoughtful. Richard Frost has created something that feels both personal and universal. I am glad I took the time to read it.

[Madison White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The strength of this book lies in its honesty and clarity. It addresses inner struggles without exaggeration and offers hope without false promises. The author’s writing feels sincere and grounded, which made the book very engaging to read.

[Arlond Badford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated how this book explains spiritual ideas in a way that feels practical and real. Richard Frost communicates with wisdom and care, making the message easy to understand and reflect on. This book is a meaningful and worthwhile read.

[Alex Andrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me see familiar ideas in a new light. The author’s insight and calm writing style made the reading experience both enjoyable and thought-provoking. It is clear that a lot of reflection and care went into this work.

[Jacaue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Frost’s work is truly remarkable. He addresses self-criticism, shame, and comparison in ways that feel honest and relatable. The book helped me understand that loving myself is not selfish, but essential. I would recommend it to anyone who wants meaningful reflection.

[Sarah Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a new way to think about faith and self-understanding. It is gentle without being weak and honest without being harsh. I felt encouraged to grow at my own pace, which made the message feel authentic.

[Mira Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me understand that growth does not have to be harsh or exhausting. The author’s approach is gentle but clear, and the message feels deeply grounded in compassion and wisdom.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drawing up on a combination of insights from a range of writers, a number of correspondents (a sort of 'vox pop') and his own theological knowledge and thinking, Richard Frost explores the great commandment to 'love your neighbour as yourself'. Many intriguing and thoughtful insights, in particular (in my view) his comment that, "If we ... try to be like someone else (or what we perceive them to be), then we will always have a sense of failure and inadequacy." In other words, beware of being judgemental towards yourself. Spot on. R.N.F.S.

[Donato Tallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

St Paul in Corinthians 13:13, teaches us that faith, hope and love abide, and the greatest of these is love. While most people know that looking after ourselves is an important concept how many people really love themselves as they should? 
Many of us do our best to love others which is not always an easy task and while loving ourselves might sound easy and in some cases it really is, doing it in the first place and indeed getting it right is something that can often be overlooked.

In his book Loving Yourself, Richard Frost explores the fact that God loves us all and through his own thoughts and the thoughts and ideas of others the author provides a great deal of material for the reader to ponder on on this important concept.

From some practical suggestions to exploring the idea that loving ourselves is not a narcissistic approach to life Richard Frost demonstrates how through loving ourselves we can in fact show greater love for others.

Quite often in life individuals can be hard on themselves and strive for perfection, becoming disillusioned when perfection is not achieved. We all need to remember that God alone is perfect, that we should not be too hard on ourselves and that if we value ourselves it will enable all of us to show love and respect for God who demonstrated that to us through the ultimate sacrifice on the cross and continues to so each and every day.

[Sophie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the administrator of our book club, I carefully select books that can genuinely support growth, reflection, and honest conversation. Loving Yourself by Richard Frost exceeded every expectation. After downloading the book and sharing it with our members, it became clear very quickly that this was not just another faith-based read, but a deeply meaningful experience.

What made this book stand out was its compassion. Richard Frost writes with clarity and humility, inviting readers to explore self-love not as selfishness, but as a faithful response to God’s love. Many of our members shared how the book helped them recognize long-held patterns of self-criticism, shame, and exhaustion. The discussions that followed were some of the most open and heartfelt we have ever had as a group.

The book is thoughtful, accessible, and rich in spiritual insight. It creates space for reflection while offering practical guidance that feels realistic and gentle. Several members mentioned returning to certain passages for comfort and encouragement even after finishing the book.

As a book club admin, I can confidently recommend Loving Yourself to individuals, churches, and reading groups seeking a book that nurtures emotional honesty, spiritual depth, and lasting transformation. This book does not rush change. It invites it with grace.

[Elizabeth Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came at exactly the right time in my life. As someone who gives endlessly to others but struggles with self criticism, Loving Yourself felt like a quiet conversation with a wise and compassionate friend. Our book club spent weeks discussing it, and every chapter opened up meaningful dialogue. The author’s words helped me understand that caring for myself is not selfish, but deeply faithful.

[Amoura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Loving Yourself after downloading it for our small church book club, and I honestly did not expect it to reach me this deeply. Richard Frost writes with such gentleness and honesty that I felt seen rather than corrected. The way he connects loving yourself with loving your neighbour finally made sense to me. This book did not rush me or judge me. It invited me to breathe, reflect, and soften toward myself. I finished it feeling lighter and more hopeful.

[Mandison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels deeply considered and honestly written. Steve Edwards does not rush his thoughts or try to oversimplify complex experiences. Instead, he takes the reader through reflections that feel lived-in and thoughtful. There is a calm confidence in the writing that makes it easy to trust what is being shared. By the end, I felt I had gained a more realistic understanding of culture, adaptation, and personal growth.

[Ann Patchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I joined our book club discussions feeling unsure about the topic of self-love, but this book completely changed my perspective. Richard Frost writes with such kindness and clarity that I never felt lectured. Instead, I felt gently invited to rethink how I see myself through God’s eyes. This book created some of the most honest conversations we have ever had as a group.

[Cassandra Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

After downloading this book, I read it slowly on purpose because every page felt meaningful. It spoke directly to the quiet exhaustion I carry from always trying to do more and be more. This book reminded me that God’s love is steady and patient, even when I am not. It left me feeling encouraged and deeply comforted.

[Claire Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare books that feels both deeply spiritual and very practical. Our book club appreciated how accessible it was, even for those who struggle with faith language. Richard Frost has a way of naming difficult emotions without making them feel overwhelming. I finished the book feeling more at peace with myself.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

After downloading this book, the cover alone drew me in with its calm and thoughtful presence. But the real beauty is inside. Richard Frost has a rare ability to talk about faith, psychology, and everyday life without making it feel heavy or overwhelming. This book helped me recognize how harsh I have been toward myself and how much God’s love has always been there.

[Rose Willams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club chose Loving Yourself because we wanted something meaningful and spiritually grounded, and it exceeded every expectation. Each chapter sparked honest conversation, tears, and moments of deep reflection. The author does not offer quick fixes. Instead, he offers grace, patience, and practical wisdom. I found myself returning to certain passages again and again.

[CJ Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gently challenged beliefs I have held for years. I always thought loving myself was somehow wrong or indulgent. Richard Frost carefully and compassionately dismantles that fear. Reading this felt like being given permission to rest, to be human, and to be kind to myself. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels exhausted by trying to be good enough.

[Elle ChristopherMatthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a book club member, I appreciated how discussion friendly this book is. Every chapter invites reflection and honest sharing. Richard Frost writes with humility and kindness, making even difficult topics like shame and comparison feel safe to explore. This book helped our group grow closer and more compassionate toward ourselves and one another.

[Mia Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving Yourself is a small book with a powerful heart. It reminded me that God’s love is not something I have to earn. The author’s words are simple but profound, and they stayed with me long after I finished reading. This book encouraged me to slow down and treat myself with the same care I offer others.

[Lisa Tener · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was moved by how practical and realistic this book is. It does not deny struggle or pain, but it offers hope without pressure. Reading this felt like being gently guided back to a healthier way of seeing myself. Our book club agreed that this is a book we would gladly recommend to others searching for healing and faith.

[Cheryl Gabraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me reconnect with my faith in a deeply personal way. The message that we are already loved, fully and without condition, was something I needed to hear. Richard Frost writes with sincerity and compassion, and it shows on every page. I am grateful I downloaded this book and took the time to sit with it.

[Lucas Deborah. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club chose this book hoping for thoughtful discussion, and it delivered far more than expected. Every chapter invited deep conversation and personal insight. I appreciated how the author connects faith, self-worth, and daily life in a way that feels realistic and compassionate. This book stayed with me long after I finished reading.

[Pogba Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and deeply thoughtful. Richard Frost has a way of explaining difficult ideas with clarity and care, making the reader feel guided rather than taught. I finished this book with a new understanding of myself and a renewed appreciation for God’s love. It is absolutely worth reading.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

What impressed me most about this book is its sincerity. Steve Edwards writes with openness and care, sharing experiences in a way that feels respectful and self-aware. The book does not pretend living abroad is easy or magical all the time. It shows the emotional layers that come with long-term adjustment. That honesty made this book meaningful to read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often struggle with feeling like I am not doing enough or being enough. Loving Yourself spoke directly into that space with kindness and wisdom. Richard Frost reminds readers that rest, boundaries, and honesty are spiritual practices too. This book changed how I approach my daily life.

[Amarantha Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club members all agreed that this book was surprisingly impactful for its length. Every chapter felt intentional and carefully written. The discussion questions helped us go deeper and reflect personally. This book is ideal for group study or individual reading.

[Isabella Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After downloading this book, I found myself underlining passages on almost every page. The reflections felt honest and deeply relatable. It reminded me that God’s love is not fragile or conditional. This book helped me feel safe enough to be honest with myself.

[Ethan Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book you read slowly and thoughtfully. Our book club took time with each chapter, and every discussion felt meaningful. Richard Frost creates a safe space for readers to explore difficult emotions like shame and comparison. I am grateful for this book and its gentle wisdom.