Confessions of a Reluctant Catholic

[Derf]

We only have to love them as much as we love ourselves.

You are missing some scripture. Jesus also said to do good to those who hurt you, which is how you love even your enemies. He didn't require us to do good to ourselves first (it was assumed).

 

[chrysostom]

He didn't require us to do good to ourselves first

We were asked to deny ourselves, take up our cross. DUTY