Responsible Love of Oneself in John Paul II's Teaching

Abstract

The man is created by God in order to build perfection in himself with his own effort. An integral development comprises all the planes, in which a man’s life is manifested, that is developing the human body in the physical dimension, developing the mental abilities and possibilities as well as skills, and also the spiritual growth. This is possible only when a man discovers himself and his existence not only in the space of „the living project”, but first of all as „a living vocation”. This growing up in the personal meaning is done by a responsible use of freedom. In this way a man should allow the Holy Spirit to guide him and should be obedient to Him. Such an attitude leads consequently to a deeper recognition of oneself in the entirety of human existence. This discovering of the fullness of humanity and of living vocation is done in the way of the conscience. Hence John Paul II calls for watching over one’s state of conscience and points that the inner truth has a fundamental significance in human life. A man is himself by means of his inner truth, whose cognition and acceptance is made difficult by sin. „A new man” – redeemed by Christ – is called to be responsible not only according to his personal dignity, but first of all according to grace, to that supernatural gift. Responsibility of „the new man” in Christ is first of all a call to reflect in oneself this greatness, to which Christ calls and whose measure He becomes Himself. This can be done only by trusting in God. Responsibility for being a God's child will ultimately be revealed by subjection to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.