Biblical Self Care
Photo by James Fitzgerald
In recent years, there has been a great deal of conversation surrounding the concept of “Self Care.”
Sometimes I will see posts on Instagram about “taking a bubble bath” and “treating yourself” and while those habits can be beneficial, as a Christian, I have a much greater “why” behind my practice of self care - or “Self Stewardship” as I prefer to call it - and a much broader application.
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.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Self-stewardship means recognizing that my body is a gift God has given me and how I choose to take care of it is a direct reflection of what I think about God.
When we love God, we want to take care of the things that He gives us. This is easily done when we first find our value in the Gospel - receiving God’s grace for our sins because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. When we receive God’s love for us as the source of our value, everything else He gives us becomes an extra blessing, including our bodies.
Now many of us are deeply aware of the flaws within our bodies, and this is because we are physically experiencing the brokenness of creation within ourselves:
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:22-23
When we shift our perspective to see our bodies both as a gift and as a frail participant in the whole of creation that is waiting for Christ’s return, it frees us.
It frees us from expecting our bodies to be perfect.
And it frees us from trying to achieve physical perfection, either in energy, performance, or form.
Now that we no longer seek perfection, we are able to pursue fruitfulness.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
I see my body as a vessel. And as I receive God’s love, I cannot help but want to share it with others. I want my vessel to be strong so that God’s love can flow through me freely.
I want to feel safe in my body, both for myself and so that I can make others feel safe.
I want strength and energy in my body so I can hold children and carry groceries and pleasure my husband.
I want mental clarity so that I can discern the lies of the enemy and speak God’s truth with kindness that brings freedom.
Because these are my goals for my body, I chose to practice self-stewardship. It is not always comfortable and it often requires dedication to do what I know will benefit me in the long run, despite how I feel in the moment.
I chose to rest and replenish so that I can think clearly. I take vitamins and eat as well as I can, and when I struggle, I receive grace and try again tomorrow.
I look to physical exercise to strengthen me and lift weights so that I can both feel good in my body and avoid pain that would hinder me.
And yes, I often take baths with epsom salt and essential oils, both to replenish magnesium through my skin and remind myself that I am safe.
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.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and when I receive God’s love for me, I am then best able to care for what He has given me.
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