There are two Bible texts that I go to when I think about self-care.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).
God sees us, knows us, and loves us without condition. We are able to cast any and all burdens onto God; this is the ultimate self-care. This is an invitation to practice love of self as we practice loving God.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).
Anything that God has created is worthy of love and care. Not to love or care for myself would be an affront to the very God I say that I love, and I am not willing to offend my God. How about you?
This message is excerpted from “The revolutionary act of self-care” by Rozella Haydée-White in the June 2018 Cafe online magazine. Today we commemorate Justin, martyr at Rome, c. 165.
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