When God Says To Care For Yourself

This article is based on scientific evidence and clinical experience, written by a licensed professional and fact-checked by experts.

Posted: May 9, 2025

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

When God Says To Care For Yourself by Melissa Abello

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Why God Cares About How You Care for Yourself

Hey friend,

I’m writing this because I’ve sat across from so many beautiful, faithful men and women of God—people just like you—who struggle to believe that self-care matters to Jesus.

Somewhere along the way, a message got twisted: that putting yourself last is what makes you holy. That rest is selfish. That tending to your needs is somehow less “Christian” than pouring yourself out for everyone else.

But here’s the truth: God never asked you to become invisible for the sake of others. He asked you to become whole.

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish—It’s Stewardship

We’re not talking about bubble baths and beach vacations (though, hey, those can be holy too). We’re talking about the kind of soul-level care that keeps your heart tender, your mind clear, and your relationships healthy.

The Bible draws a clear line between selfishness and wise self-care.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23

That’s not just poetic advice—it’s a divine directive. If your heart is the wellspring of life, it’s not selfish to tend to it. It’s strategic. It’s obedient.

Jesus modeled this, didn’t He? He rested. He stepped away from the crowd. He took naps in storms and quiet walks with the Father. He cared for His body and soul because He knew—just like we’re slowly learning—that you can’t pour out what you don’t have.

The Church and the Unintentional Burnout Gospel

Let’s be real: sometimes the Church unknowingly celebrates burnout. We praise the people who say yes to everything. We admire the ones who run on empty “for the kingdom.”

But Jesus didn’t come to make us useful. He came to make us whole.

If your theology of selflessness is causing you to resent your spouse, implode at your kids, or collapse under chronic anxiety—you might not be living out of holiness. You might be living out of survival.

We need to tell the difference.

When You Don’t Care for Yourself…

Neglecting self-care doesn’t just wear you out—it has real consequences:

  • Bitterness that poisons your relationships
  • Burnout that leaves you emotionally and physically wrecked
  • Codependency that makes others responsible for your peace

Friend, this is not the abundant life Jesus promised.

And here’s the thing: if your coping habits—like perfectionism, people-pleasing, emotional shutdown, or constant hustle—have helped you survive, they’re not shameful. They’re signals. Your nervous system is trying to tell you something.

At MyCounselor.Online, our NICC-trained Christian therapists are specially equipped to help you listen to what those signals are saying—and gently begin healing the roots underneath.

Because self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s how we partner with God in restoring what’s been wounded.

Healing Isn’t Just Possible—It’s God-Designed

Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) sees things differently. It doesn’t just treat symptoms—it honors your pain as a signal that healing is needed. It invites Jesus into the parts of your story that still hurt. And through Spirit-led, relational care, it helps you move from survival mode to secure, thriving peace.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Whether you’re a parent pouring out every drop, a ministry leader running on fumes, or someone quietly wondering if this is “just how life is now”—you’re not too far gone.

Jesus is already moving toward you.

Could Christian Counseling Be Your Next Step?

If this article stirred something in you—a quiet yes, a weary “that’s me,” or even a cautious maybe—that’s worth paying attention to.

You’re not broken. You’re beloved. And you don’t have to stay stuck.

If you’re ready to explore what it means to care for yourself in ways that honor God and bring real transformation, consider reaching out to one of our NICC therapists. We’d be honored to walk with you.

In Closing

You are so precious to the Lord. He desires for you to become the fully alive, emotionally connected, spiritually secure person He created you to be.

Self-care isn’t about indulging the self. It’s about nurturing the soul. The part of you that is made in the image of a God who rests, who weeps, who rejoices, who heals.

Let that care begin today.

You’ve got this—and we’re cheering you on as you mature into True Happiness.


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