Biblical Answer

Navigating the Tension between Loving One's Neighbor and Prioritizing Self-Care

As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 7:12, Mk 12:30-31). This commandment is rooted in our love for God, who is the ultimate source of love and compassion. When we prioritize loving our neighbors, we are not only demonstrating God's love to them but also to ourselves, as we reflect on God's character and provision in our lives. However, in today's world, social activism and community service can be demanding, leaving us feeling drained and burnt out. This is where prioritizing self-care comes in – it is essential to maintain our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to continue serving others effectively.

The Bible acknowledges the importance of self-care, although it may not use these exact words. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches that loving God with all our hearts, souls, and minds is the greatest commandment, and loving our neighbors as ourselves is the second. This implies that we must first love and care for ourselves as God's beloved children before we can effectively love and care for others. Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul reminds us to do everything for the glory of God, including taking care of our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20). By prioritizing self-care, we are not being selfish but rather being good stewards of the bodies God has given us, which enables us to serve others more effectively.

So, how do we navigate the tension between loving our neighbors and prioritizing self-care? We must recognize that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for effective service. By taking care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, we can maintain the energy and resilience needed to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and seeking rest and relaxation when needed. As we prioritize self-care, we can also prioritize loving our neighbors, not by sacrificing our own needs but by being more effective in serving them. By doing so, we demonstrate God's love to both ourselves and our neighbors, glorifying Him in the process.