Finding the balance between caring for yourself and helping others can feel complicated. Does God approve of self-care? Today, we’ll see how the Bible encourages us to honor God by taking care of ourselves while serving others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Bitter
What Does The Bible Say About Taking Care Of Yourself Before Others
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking care of our own family and household. It reminds us that neglecting our responsibilities towards our loved ones goes against the principles of faith.
While it is essential to prioritize the needs of others, this verse also reminds us not to neglect our own well-being and the needs of our immediate family.
Proverbs 11:25
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of blessing others and being blessed in return. By taking care of ourselves, we ensure that we are equipped to bless others.
Just as watering plants leads to their growth, nourishing ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically allows us to thrive and be in a better position to support and care for others.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies belong to God, and we are called to take care of them. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining our physical well-being as an act of worship and gratitude to God.
Caring for ourselves involves looking after our bodies, hearts, and minds, allowing us to fully honor God and serve others effectively.
Luke 10:27
“And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.””
This verse reminds us that loving God and loving others are interconnected. In the same way, caring for ourselves is also essential to fulfill the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.
To love others well, we must first love and care for ourselves by nurturing our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
This verse acknowledges the inherent value and worth that each individual possesses. It affirms that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
Caring for ourselves involves appreciating and accepting the unique qualities and gifts that God has bestowed upon us.
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
This verse emphasizes the love we should have for our neighbors, highlighting it as one of the greatest commandments.
To truly love and care for others, we must be willing to extend the same compassion, grace, and care to ourselves.
Ephesians 5:29
“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.”
This verse speaks of the natural inclination to care for and nourish our bodies. It draws a parallel between how Christ cares for the church and how we should care for ourselves.
Caring for ourselves involves nurturing our physical well-being by practicing self-care and making healthy choices that honor our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse calls us to support and help others in their times of need. However, it is essential to remember that we cannot pour from an empty cup.
Caring for ourselves allows us to have the strength and capacity to bear the burdens of others effectively while still maintaining a healthy balance in our own lives.
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
While this verse encourages looking out for the interests of others, it does not negate the importance of attending to our own needs.
Caring for ourselves enables us to have the clarity, energy, and compassion necessary to effectively consider and meet the needs of others.
Psalm 23:1-3
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
This well-known psalm depicts God as our loving shepherd who provides rest and restoration. Taking care of ourselves involves recognizing our need for rest and allowing God to restore our weary souls.
Caring for ourselves amidst life’s busyness helps us find moments of stillness, allowing God to nourish and rejuvenate our spirits.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
In this verse, Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest. Caring for ourselves involves acknowledging our burdens and allowing Jesus to carry them alongside us.
By surrendering our worries and concerns to Him, we can find comfort and genuine rest, both physically and spiritually.
1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
This verse reassures us of God’s care and concern for us. It reminds us that we can bring our worries and anxieties to Him, trusting that He will provide comfort and support.
Caring for ourselves involves seeking God’s presence in times of stress and anxiety, knowing that we do not have to carry our burdens alone.
Matthew 6:25-27
“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
This passage reminds us of God’s faithful provision and urges us not to worry excessively about our material needs.
Caring for ourselves involves trusting in God’s provision and releasing our anxieties, knowing that He values us far more than the birds of the air.
Psalm 63:5
“My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.”
This verse speaks of the satisfaction that comes from feeding our souls with God’s presence and goodness.
Caring for ourselves involves seeking spiritual food and nourishment through prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word, which ultimately leads to joy and praise.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
This verse encourages a lifestyle of gratitude, joy, and constant communication with God through prayer.
Caring for ourselves involves cultivating an attitude of gratitude, rejoicing in all circumstances, and maintaining a consistent connection with God through prayer.
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
This verse reminds us that as we wait on the Lord, we can find renewal and strength.
Caring for ourselves involves intentionally setting aside time to wait on God, allowing Him to replenish our energy and renew our spirits.
Psalm 34:8
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
This verse invites us to experience the goodness of the Lord and the blessings that come from seeking refuge in Him.
Caring for ourselves involves seeking refuge in God’s presence, allowing His goodness to fill and satisfy our hearts.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This passage encourages us to bring our worries, fears, and requests to God through prayer. It assures us that His peace, which surpasses understanding, will guard our hearts and minds.
Caring for ourselves involves practicing prayerful dependence on God, releasing our anxieties to Him and embracing His peace that transcends circumstances.
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse reminds us that as we find delight and satisfaction in the Lord, He will align the desires of our hearts with His will.
Caring for ourselves involves nurturing our relationship with God, finding joy in His presence, and allowing Him to mold our hearts’ desires.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
This verse assures us of God’s constant presence and His role as our refuge, providing us with the strength we need in times of trouble.
Caring for ourselves involves seeking refuge in God, acknowledging our need for His strength, and trusting in His unwavering support.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
This verse encourages us to cast our burdens on the Lord, knowing that He will sustain and protect us.
Caring for ourselves involves releasing our burdens to God’s care, finding strength and stability in His unwavering faithfulness.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!”
This verse calls us to stillness before the Lord, choosing patience over worry and comparison.
Caring for ourselves involves cultivating a heart of stillness and patience, trusting in God’s timing as we focus on His plans rather than being consumed by comparison or worry.
Psalm 1:1-3
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
This passage describes the blessedness of the one who delights in God’s Word, drawing nourishment from it like a tree planted by streams of water.
Caring for ourselves involves immersing ourselves in God’s Word, finding sustenance and growth as we meditate on His truth.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green and is not anxious in the years of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
This verse depicts the blessedness and resilience of the one who places their trust in the Lord.
Caring for ourselves involves cultivating a deep trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that even in challenging seasons, we will continue to bear fruit and find nourishment in Him.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else. It reassures us that as we focus on Him, He will provide for our needs.
Caring for ourselves involves aligning our priorities with God’s, seeking His guidance and provision above our own desires, knowing that He will generously care for us.