Some may argue today that self-care is a buzz word that appears selfish — only focuses on glorifying yourself and doesn’t leave space for God. However, the idea of taking care of yourself — physically, mentally and spiritually — is found throughout Scripture.
Let’s look at what the Bible says about practicing self-care:
1. 1 Corinthians 13:16: “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” (ESV). Your body is a temple inhabited by the Holy Spirit. If God calls our bodies a place of worship, we should honor and respect our bodies.
2. Romans 12:1-2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship,” (ESV). Again, we have the ability to worship God with our bodies. We should be working to do so in a way that brings us closer to holiness.
3. 3 John 1:2: “Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit,” (NLT). This verse stresses the importance of health in all aspects.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” (NIV). This verse contradicts the notion that self-care cannot glorify God. While it does benefit us, it ultimately glorifies the Lord.
5. Matthew 22:39: “And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself,” (NIV). The greatest commandment following loving God is this. If we are not loving ourselves well, how can we love our neighbor well? Taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of others. Rather than pushing ourselves to the point of exhaustion, stuffing our emotional pain or ignoring physical symptoms of sickness, God instead calls us to give him our burdens, rest, spend our time wisely and nurture our souls.
