Self-care isn’t selfish.
You probably know this is true, and most would not challenge this notion. While we might not openly disagree with this statement, internally we live in a way that embraces it. Often, the not so direct comments and expectations of others also affirm the falsehood that self-care is selfish.
Self-care is something that Jesus himself embraced. The scripture is full of passages pointing to rest, self-care and the important notion that we cannot give to others if we do not allow God to first pour into us.
Self-care is the opposite of selfish, it is an act of great humility. To go against the message of the world and the church and take time to care for yourself is also a recognition that God does not need you, but you most certainly need God. Rest, self-care and sabbath are acts of obedience, acts of humility. In embracing self-care, we also embrace our identity as a beloved, child of God. God does not want us to be unhealthy. God loves us, cares about us and even likes us. The greatest commandment is to love God, love others and love self. Self-care is not an act of selfishness, it is an embracing of God’s love for us.