Biblical Answer

Navigating the Tension Between Loving One's Neighbor and Prioritizing Self-Care in Social Activism

Understanding the Biblical Call to Love One's Neighbor

The biblical call to love one's neighbor is rooted in the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev 19:18, Mt 22:39). This commandment is not just a moral imperative, but a reflection of our love for God. As Augustine noted, we cannot love ourselves first and foremost and love God first and foremost (Augustine, The City of God). Our love for God is the foundation for loving our neighbors, and it is through this love that we are enabled to demonstrate love to others, even those who may be antagonistic towards us (Mt 5:38-42).

Prioritizing Self-Care in Social Activism

In the midst of social activism, it is essential to prioritize self-care. Social activism can be emotionally and physically draining, and neglecting self-care can lead to burnout. The biblical concept of sabbath rest (Ex 20:8-11) reminds us of the importance of taking time to rest and recharge. By prioritizing self-care, we can maintain our physical and emotional well-being, ensuring that we are able to continue serving and loving our neighbors effectively. This is not a selfish act, but a necessary one, as we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:39).

Integrating Loving One's Neighbor and Prioritizing Self-Care

To navigate the tension between loving one's neighbor and prioritizing self-care, we must recognize that these two aspects of our lives are interconnected. By loving God and prioritizing self-care, we are able to love our neighbors more effectively. This integration is not a zero-sum game, where one aspect must be sacrificed for the other. Rather, it is a holistic approach that recognizes the importance of caring for ourselves in order to serve and love others. By prioritizing self-care, we are not neglecting our love for our neighbors, but rather, we are ensuring that we are able to love them more fully and effectively. Ultimately, this integration is a reflection of our love for God, who is the foundation for all of our relationships, including our relationships with our neighbors.