How to Care for Your Soul: Best Tips from 13 Christian Bloggers
Soul care opens the door for fresh faith and vibrant life. Intentional choices to care for our souls open the door for everyday holiness that makes a difference.
Because this is such a practical and important topic, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite bloggers to share their best tips. I asked them two simple questions:
- What have you learned about soul care?
- What is one way you care for your soul?
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#soulcare #faith #refreshfaith”]Take care of your soul with these practical tips from Christian bloggers.[/tweetthis]
Hint: each blogger’s name is linked to related posts on their websites. Save this post as a valuable resource for God-filled soul care!
Betsy DeCruz
I take care of my soul by trying fresh approaches to my quiet time. Time with God every morning recharges me and helps realign my heart to God’s purposes—yet sometimes I fall into a rut.
Some mornings I zone out while praying or my eyes glaze over while I read scripture, so I like to get creative. I listen to a worship song or sometimes light a candle. I use colored pencils and pens in my journal.
When I feel burdened, I spend more time praying. I use prayer journaling, prayer mapping, and make simple lists as I lift my concerns to the Lord and pray for grace to trust Him. Other days I spend more time reading scripture. I like to use different approaches to engage with God’s Word: reading aloud, listening, writing out verses, or verse mapping.
One thing almost never changes: I choose one verse to take with me into my day.
Deb Wolf
The one thing I’ve learned is that soul care is absolutely essential. My soul is the core of who I am. I fall apart mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually if my soul is not filled by the One who created it.
When it comes to how I care for my soul . . . I focus on Jesus through prayer and Bible study. I also enjoy spending time talking with others and reading books and blogs.
If I want to enjoy peace in my soul, I need Jesus!
Liz Giertz
I’ve learned that soul care isn’t optional.
If I don’t do it, I can’t care for anybody else. Like most women, I have quite a few people who rely on me to care for them.
On a daily basis, I get up before the other members of my house to have coffee with Jesus. But sometimes I need more time alone with Him than our crazy schedules allow.
My husband has been so supportive, allowing me time once or twice a year to get away to a quiet place where I can simply soak in all God has for filling me up. I love getting lost in the Bible and swept away by worship – that provides everlasting nourishment for my soul.
The other thing that sets my soul on fire, is dreaming with God about how I can use what He’s given me to glorify Him.
Adrienne Terrebone
As a mom, it is easy to neglect myself, spending all my energy on serving my husband and three children. When I don’t take time to focus on myself, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day, I can easily get depleted, which leads to frustration for me and for my family.
For me, caring for my soul means a variety of things.
- Slowing down and enjoying the small moments with my children.
- Spending time in the Word of God or
- Enjoying a good book on the back porch.
I tend to be introverted which means that I need a little time to myself to rejuvenate and refresh.
Arabah Joy
Soul care starts with Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Regular communion with God is the best way I can take care of my soul.
I’ve learned the importance of solitude and stillness. That means getting away from people and the hustle of daily life with no phones, computers, or other noise makers.
Book: Trust Without Borders: A 40-Day Devotional Journey to Deepen, Strengthen, and Stretch Your Faith in God
Melanie Redd
We all need time apart – time to come away and refresh, renew, and be restored. When I don’t take time for these things, I become uptight, tense, and difficult to live with! So, in the best interest of my family, friends, and ministry, I need to make time for my soul to be filled back up.
To recharge my soul, I daily have quiet time, weekly have more lengthy quiet time, and twice a year, my husband and I try to take a few days away to be still. It’s amazing what these times of quiet do to restore our souls!
One of my favorite ways to fill back up is to spend time with other women who love the Lord and love me. To share our hearts, share our burdens, pray with each other, and pray for each other – all of these things deeply minister to my soul!
I try to get with at least one positive, praying friend every week.
Book: How to Win Your Child’s Heart For Life: 8 Proven Strategies for Parents
Sarah Koontz
My soul has needs, demands, cravings that must be satisfied on a regular basis. When I fail to care for my soul, I am unfit to care for anything or anyone else in my life.
I carve out time for rest…every single day. God has taught me the art of restful living. When I rest, I rest my whole person: Body, Soul, and Spirit. Rest gives my soul perspective, patience, and the strength to persist.
Cathy Baker
I’ve learned in caring for my soul is that it prefers a whole-food diet. I can do good things 24/7. I can speed-read a multitude of good and godly books. And I can attend church every Sunday. But if my regular intake of spiritual nourishment isn’t grounded in devouring the wholeness of God’s Word (Jer. 15:16) and time with Him in prayer, all other things—no matter how good—leaves me weak, confused, and vulnerable.
One way I’ve started caring for my soul is to crank up the praise music and sing for 15 minutes before sitting down to read the Bible. Luke 10 tells us to love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength, and singing praises with my whole heart is one way my soul is both emptied and re-filled. It has also proven to set the stage for a deeper, more meaningful one-on-one time with Him.
Kori Yates
Soul care has to be a priority, something done intentionally or it doesn’t get done. It also seems to get more important to me the longer I walk with the Lord and know Him more.
Make time with Him a priority. Some of my best times with him are running early in the morning with no distractions. I have to schedule it and I prefer to do it first thing. I also intentionally find friends or small groups.
Community and accountability is vital for my soul care.
Book: Olive Drab Pom-Poms
Michelle Bengtson
I’ve learned that if the enemy of our soul cannot destroy us, he’ll distract us with so much busyness that we forget to take time to take care of ourselves.
If we don’t take care of ourselves, our well will run dry until we have nothing left to pour out onto others. We must consider life a marathon and not a sprint, and take time to care for ourselves if we want to have the strength and endurance for the difficult valleys.
I make it a priority to engage in regular physical exercise every week, and then on a regular basis, I make it a priority to get out on the water where I feel most at peace. That always brings me back to a place where I hear God best and can forget about the worries of the day/week/month for a few moments and just be still and rest in Him.
Book: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression.
Kellie Balarie
If I don’t care for my soul, no one else will. The matter of caring for my soul hinges upon making time for God. If I don’t, I suffer. If I do, I grow in fruitfulness, joy and kindness.
My favorite way to refresh my soul is to take a walk with God. I love to get outside, breathe deep and let His creation touch my heart.
Book: Fear Fighting: Awakening Courage to Overcome Your Fears
Karrilee Aggett
If I don’t make caring for my soul a priority, no one else will either! In fact, no one else will know if I am taking care of myself… at least not until it’s quite obvious to everyone! (Ask me how I know!)
I have learned, as an Introvert who pastors, I need to schedule in a chunk of time to recharge after a full weekend of ministering or a big event. I try to rest that day or set aside time. I’m not going to allow time to boss me around.
During my refresh time, I do only things that fill me up… read, write, pray, make art, go for a walk. Sometimes meet an encouraging friend for coffee or watch a movie (as long as I am not using it as a way to escape).
Soul Care (or self-care) is not selfish at all and it actually enables me to bring my best self to the table on a more consistent basis!
Jennifer Moye
I have learned that when caring for myself, I am caring for the rest of my body, and my family as well. God commands us to worship him with all our mind, body, and soul. Caring for our body, mind, and soul is one way of offering worship.
One way I’m learning to take care of my soul is a new-found practice of holy yoga, which helps me calm my mind and pray Scripture. We are so rushed in today’s life that we rarely clear our thoughts enough to enjoy God’s presence.
Book: A Gospel Christmas: Our Journey Connecting Santa and His Elf to the Story of Our Savior
Your Turn!
What have you learned about soul care? What’s your best practice for attending to your soul? I’d love for you to leave a comment and share your thoughts!
Enjoy the rest of this series:
To the One Who’s Forgotten She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
Soul Care: 5 Godly Ways to Care for Your Soul
Enjoy my new mini-ebook, Soul Care that Makes the Difference. Use this simple tool for a devotional guide or prayer journal and experience the difference soul care can make.
Enjoy beautiful quotes that remind you to care for your soul. Learn more about simple reminders and truths from Ginger’s new book, Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life.
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5 Godly Ways to Care for Your Soul
Because God loves you, it’s okay to love yourself.
“Do you really mean God is NEVER not pleased with me? No matter what?”
This question made us all stop and listen hard.
Last night I sat in class. We talked about our concept of God, drawing pictures of what we thought about God when we were children.
Many of us (as children) thought of God as one who was only pleased with good behavior. That’s not theologically true, but it’s a common message kids absorb from parents and teachers–being good brings approval. Being bad brings disapproval. Our concept of God is often influenced by relationships with parents or other significant adults.
Diving deeper into our discussion, we talked about the extravagant love of God. “God’s love for you is not tied to performance. He loves you for who you are, not what you do or don’t do.”
We know this, but there’s so much more to discover through a knowing that comes through revelation and Spirit-given-gut-insight.
Next to me, a friend listened to our conversation. All of a sudden, she inhaled deep and looked up with the wonder that comes when God moves our hearts to a new understanding. That’s when she asked her question.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#Godlovesyou #AcceptedbyGod”]”Do you really mean God is NEVER not pleased with me? No matter what? Really, really, REALLY?”[/tweetthis]
In a flash, a classroom of students became a sanctuary, holy and alive as God touched each one of us.Time expanded beyond it’s borders into the eternal. She put audible words to that question we’ve all struggled with at some point–does God really, really, REALLY love me no matter what I do or don’t do?
Overwhelmed, she wept hot, cleansing tears in the midst of a sacred hush. Uncontainable, love spilled over as gratitude ran down her cheeks, leaving wet marks on her drawing. Tears marked her receiving this fresh glimpse of God’s love.
Here’s one simple truth:
We can’t separate loving God from loving others and loving ourselves. Love was never meant to be divided up and handed out in portions. Safe in the love of Christ, love is who we are and what we have to give.
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”via@GingHarrington”]Since God loves you so very much, isn’t it time to for you to be okay with loving you?[/tweetthis]
5 powerful ways to care for your soul.
Love God with your life. The greatest command, the one most important thing God asks of us is to love Him with heart, soul, mind, and strength. The more fully we grasp the wonder of God’s love, the more we love Him. And the more we can accept and love ourselves.(Mark 12:29-31).
Let go of negative thinking. God’s guide for good thoughts applies to how you think about yourself. Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (Phil. 4:8)
Forgive yourself. Why do you say, “I can’t forgive myself,” when God has forgiven and forgotten? Accept God’s forgiveness by forgiving yourself. Hold onto the truth rather than feelings of guilt. (Psalm 103:12, Jeremiah 31:34)
Forgive others. Refusing to forgive others is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. Unforgiveness holds you captive (Ephesians 4:32, Mark 11:25).
Believe God pleased with the work he is doing in you. “…for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Secure in the love of God, you can release the fear that God is disappointed with you. (Phil. 2:13, Zephaniah 3:17)
Make the most of your days by loving God, loving others, and loving yourself. The best way to care for our souls is to take God’s greatest commands to heart: 1 Corinthians 3:16
Love God + love your neighbor + love yourself =
Soul care that makes the difference.
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I’d love to hear from you. Take a sec to say hi in the comments.
Other posts in this series:
It’s Okay to Love Yourself
To the One Who’s Forgotten She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
22 Ways to Care for Your Soul
Believe that you matter. You have value and worth. Don’t swallow the lies and rejection of others that can make you feel worthless. These words aren’t from God and they are not true (1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1...
To the One Who’s Forgotten She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
To the one who has forgotten she matters.
To the one who has forgotten she matters.The squawk of the clock radio jolts her awake. Everything in her jerks at the startling intrusion. Before feet hit the floor, she’s already stressed. Truth is, she’s been scurrying from task to task, issue to issue for so long that she carries a constant tension in her shoulders.
Getting dressed, her mind flips past the appointments and projects, landing with a thunk on a recent conflict that weighs heavy on her heart. A familiar thought interrupts: It doesn’t matter how much you do. It will never be enough.
The leap from feeling a disappointment is as quick as the inhale of breath: You don’t matter. Your feelings don’t count.
Caught in the fray of expectations, responsibilities, conflicts and the craziness of life, it’s all too easy to agree with the great lie that echoes in her thoughts: You don’t matter.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#loveyourself, #youmatter”]Giving to everyone but herself, she’s forgotten that she matters.[/tweetthis]
I’ve had days where I am this woman, and maybe you have too.
Remembering you matter.
Receiving God’s love enables us to embrace our value. It empowers us to love God, self, and others well. When we forget that we matter, we neglect to love ourselves in ways that refresh the soul. Here’s the truth: you matter and caring for your soul matters.
When did we start needing permission to love, accept, and take care of ourselves? Why is it so hard to grab hold of the truth that it’s okay to love ourselves?
Jesus reminds us: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
We can’t separate loving God from loving others and loving ourselves. Love was never meant to be divided up and handed out in portions to those who deserve it. In Christ, love is who we are and what we have to give.
Because God loves you, it’s okay to love yourself.
Love your neighbor as yourself. Consider the layers of meaning in this phrase.
- As–in reference to time– While you love others, love your self. While you love yourself, love others.
- As–a comparison. Love others the way you love yourself. Love yourself the way you love others.
Is it possible that we can’t love others well when we won’t love ourselves?
Why loving yourself is a God-filled grace.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#takecareofyourself, #youmatter”]How do we love ourselves without veering into self-absorption or selfishness?[/tweetthis]
This is a tricky line, but we ask God to help us fully understand and live out these two great commands. Loving self is of the spirit; self-love is of the flesh.
What’s the difference? Motivation and source.
Rather than rules weigh us down, these words are given to lighten our load. The Bible shows us how to live well with God, self, and others. Loving ourselves is spirit work that rests secure in the love of God. Self-love is the flesh’s drive to get our needs met by our own efforts.
You Matter: 10 ways to love yourself and care for your soul.
Believe that you matter. You have value and worth. Don’t swallow the lies and rejection of others that can make you feel worthless. These words aren’t from God and they are not true (1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Thessalonians 1:4)
Agree with what God says about you in His Word. Agreeing is faith in action. When you agree with God, there’s no room for the enemy to enter the conversation (Psalm 139:14, Jeremiah 31:3, John 4:19).
Intentionally receive God’s love. Hold out your hands and your heart and actually say it, “Lord, I receive your love. Thank you!” (Ephesians 3:16-19, John 3:16, John 1:16).
Rely on Christ for your needs. (Phil 4:19) When we trust Christ to meet our needs, we can stop trying so hard to get love, acceptance, security, value, and worth by our own efforts and coping skills. Freedom to love yourself in a godly way is found by living in the Spirit not working in the flesh.
Accept yourself. You are loved and accepted by God. When you believe this, you will be free to accept yourself. You cannot love what you refuse to accept (Psalm 139).
Embrace the truth of God’s Word. Scripture is filled with truths to set you free to live and love with joy and freedom (John 8:32).
Speak truth to yourself. Stop repeating the old messages and lies–the I can’ts, I’ll never’s, I should’s, and I’m not’s. Stop keeping records of your mistakes and sins. God isn’t counting, why should you? (Psalm 103:12, 1 Corinthians 13:5).
Trust God with your imperfections and insecurities. He’s promised to bring you to completion. Trust Him to finish what He’s started (1 Thess. 5:23-24, Philippians 1:6).
Care for yourself: body, mind, and soul. You take care of others. It’s time to put yourself on the list (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Rest and honor the Sabbath—rest is a physical need and a holy command. (Exodus 33:14, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 23:2-3).
It’s okay to care for yourself.
These are just a few ways to show love and grace to yourself. Secure in God’s love, you are free to love God, others, and yourself. Caring for yourself, enables you to have more to give others for you are not constantly running on empty.
So today, I write to the one who is weary of all the trying. I speak to one who labors under the weight of self-condemnation. I whisper words of permission to the one who has forgotten she matters.
God loves you and it’s okay.
It’s okay to love yourself.
It’s good to love yourself.
Loving yourself is a necessary grace.
What’s one way you show love to yourself?
Don’t miss the other posts in this series:
It’s Okay to Love Yourself
5 Godly Ways to Care for Your Soul
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Got time to watch this video? You’ll be glad you did. This video encourages me every time I watch it.
[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXoZLPSw8U8″ title=”Colbie%20Callet%20video%20of%20Try.”]
Related posts to enjoy:
Soul Search: Why Are You so Hard on Yourself?
Soul Questions: Do You Like You?
It’s Okay to Love Yourself
“I’m worn out,” my friend said with a weary complaint. A blue headband pulled limp hair from her face. She had that the-last-thing-I-have-time-to-do-is-fix-my-hair look that fashion models avoid like the plague.
She looked adorable, real, and very tired. She was dressed in the weariness of trying to keep it all together–the kids, the home, the job, the laundry, the appointments. And all with a husband deployed.
I know this kind of tired–the kind where we feel pressure to do this… and that… and everything else. The kind where we forget that we matter. Exhaustion comes when there’s no white space on our calendars and no breathing space for our souls.
God’s word to the exhausted one.
When weariness seeps into our bones, we need to remember these simple commands.
Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31
Maybe your thinking, “Seriously, she didn’t just write that. When I’m totally wrung out, the last thing I want to think about is doing anything with all my mind and strength. And the very last thing I have energy to do is love the people who are making me so tired.”
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#loveGod #takecareofyourself”]Too often, we live as if this is what God said: Love your neighbor instead of yourself. [/tweetthis]
Note to self–that’s not what God says. There’s a world of difference between as yourself and instead of yourself.
It’s okay.
When you’re clinging to the edge of sanity by a fingernail, it’s okay to love yourself.
It’s okay to take care of yourself.
It’s okay to give yourself a break.
It’s okay to ask for help.
It’s okay to stop being so hard on yourself.
It’s okay to love yourself and care for your soul.
In our crazy, mixed-up culture we often see those who love nothing but themselves. For sure, there’s no shortage of pride, arrogance, and egotism in today’s world. This isn’t what God means by as yourself.
This as yourself love isn’t selfish or self-indulgent. It’s not wrong or sinful.
Our churches emphasize loving God and loving others. I’m pretty sure I’ve never heard a sermon on the importance of loving yourself. Have you?
Why is that?
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#selfworth #loveyourself #selfesteem”]Are we afraid to even talk about what it means to love ourselves?[/tweetthis]
Or are we simply so busy, it’s last thing we have time to think about?
Writing these words, I feel like a renegade–a religious rebel. Like someones’s going to bang on my door and haul me away.
But here it is, right in the two greatest commands…”love your neighbor as yourself.”
And it’s been right there since Moses walked down the mountain with two stone tablets thousands of years ago.
No matter how many times I read this passage, it’s still there. “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
If Jesus said it, it’s true.
It’s time to stop arguing with God on this one.
Love God + love your neighbor + love yourself
Isn’t it time to stop leaving ourselves out of the equation?
The more fully we grasp the wonder of God’s love, the more we love Him. And the more we can accept and love ourselves. It’s that simple.
Looking through the lens of God’s love, we begin to see ourselves free from the condemnations, criticisms, mistakes, needs, and hurts that wage war against our souls.
When self-concept is anchored in performance, comparison, and competition, we struggle to love and accept ourselves. Without a transforming glimpse of God’s deep love for us, we struggle to love him as well.
On our hard days, it all feels a little like Sunday school talk or fairy tale…too good to be true.
Let this truth refresh your heart today: God loves you. Yes, weary, imperfect you.
And weary, imperfect me.
When you get this–really get it–you can’t help but love God with everything you’ve got.
You’ll discover fresh reserves of love for others.
Full with the love of God, you’ll give yourself permission to rest when you’re tired, cry when you’re sad, and relax when you fail.
And you’ll know this for sure: it’s okay to love yourself.
Don’t miss the other posts in this series:
To the One Who’s Forgotten That She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
5 Godly Ways to Care for Your Soul
When Jesus Speaks: It Only Takes a Word to Change Your Life
What can happen when Jesus speaks, takes the initiative to address your need? In Mark 3:1-6 is the biblical account of the compassion of Jesus as He heals a man with a withered hand. Consider what we learn about Christ and his love that meets this man’s physical and spiritual need. Do you need a word from Christ today?
He sits in the back, tucked away out of sight. Wishing he was invisible, a nameless man blends into the crowd. Perhaps he’s praying, pleading with God for help and healing.
Perhaps he’s not. Maybe after thousands of prayers, he’s given up hope that God listens or cares about his situation. Could be he’s simply going through the motions, the rituals of a religion lacking the power to change his life.
In the front of the synagogue stand the religious leaders, the ones who do it all right and know all the answers. He slips his hand under the frayed edge of his robe. Hiding his shame, he looks just like anyone else when only his good arm shows.
They call him the man with the withered hand.
Named by his need and known by his problem, no one really knows the man inside. He is healthy with the exception of one shriveled hand. As if that is all he is. The man with the withered hand.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#faith #JesusHeals”]When Jesus speaks, it only takes a word to change a life.[/tweetthis]
Jesus says, “Get up and come forward.” It is a command, but also an invitation.
Caught between the leaders and Jesus, he stands and walks forward. With all eyes on him, it is impossible to hide his withered hand.
Faith stands when Jesus speaks.
Don’t be fooled by this simple command. In the KJV, Jesus tells the man to “stand forth.” To arouse, to cause to rise, to wake, to raise up, and to recall the dead to life–stand is a powerful word of possibility. It’s an invitation into the work of God.
The man with the withered hand doesn’t hold back, thinking, “He healed some, but he probably won’t do it for me.” Whatever went through his mind, he made the choice to walk toward Jesus.
Faith walks forward when Jesus speaks.
No rules, no tasks, and no tests. Nothing to prove and nothing to earn. The initiative of this encounter begins and ends with Christ. Don’t you love that?!
Jesus simply says, “stretch out your hand.” Offer your weakness, your problem, your imperfection.
It is the withered hand that marks the man’s life, setting parameters of what he can and can’t do. His useless hand is an inescapable reminder of his need.
Withered means to dry up, shrivel, or waste away.
His hand withered, but so do souls.
My hands are whole, though chewed around the nails. But I know this withering, shriveling like a plant with no water.
Fear, inadequacy, anxiety, anger or depression… a withering of the soul can take many forms. Lacking the water of the Spirit, faith can seem to dry up, leaving us wilting in the heat of hard days. Do you have that one thing that holds you back? That one thing sapping your energy and making you feel insecure? If so, you know soul withering too.
Nourishing our souls, the life-giving power of God’s Spirit sustains faith that is vibrant and fresh. Do you hear the words of Christ echoing in your own heart, “Come to me with your need?”
The man with the withered hand stretches out his hand, acknowledging his need, his condition, before Jesus. Reaching beyond of the pain of the past, the shame of his loss, this man reaches right into the heart of God.
Faith stretches when Jesus speaks.
How about you?
[tweetthis]Is today your time to stretch your fingers of faith, extend your vision, and refuse to hang back or hold out?[/tweetthis]
Arise, my friend.
Stand, Weary One.
Get up and come forward.
Stretch your heart, the life you live, and the hopes you hold.
In the blink of an eye, this man is restored. His hand is healed and he is whole.
And in saving his hand, Jesus saves his life.
Oh yes, when Jesus speaks, it only takes a word to change your life.
How has Christ spoken to your heart? What strikes you about Christ meets this man’s physical and spiritual need? Do you need a word from Christ today?
Help for Hearing Jesus Speak to You in Scripture
Want to draw closer to God in your devotions? Get the Spiritual Growth Pack of some of my best tip sheets, prayers, and ideas for a deeper life of faith. Learn to listen to Jesus speak to you through the Word today.
You can find this story in Mark 3:1-6.
Similar posts to enjoy:
Simple Encouragement When Work Fails
It’s Simply Not About the Fish or the Work
The Simple Truth About Going to the Deep With Jesus
11 Fabulous Quotes to Inspire Your Heart to Love
Add a little love to your life with these quotes and verses to share. Loving God and loving others is what we are made for. Print out these quotes for inspiration, crafts, gifts, and more. You’ll find the printable PDF with all of these quotes in my Subscriber Library. Sign up for emails at the end of this post.
“To love someone means to see him as God intended him.”
Work like you don’t need the money.
Love like you’ve never been hurt.
Dance like nobody’s watching.
Satchel Paige
Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.
Without them humanity cannot survive.
Dalai Lama
The best love is the one that makes you a better person,
without changing you into someone other than yourself.
Unknown
And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel
and overflow in love for one another,
and for all people…
1 Thessalonians 3:12 AMP
Click the image below to immediately download this quote.
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16 Ways to Love with Fresh Faith
Flowers, candy, cards, and teddy bears–who doesn’t enjoy these fun ways to show your Valentine how much you love them? Especially the chocolate, right?
Definitely the chocolate.
It’s the love expressed with the gift that matters.
Love holds the power to create joy, heal hearts, inspire laughter, and strengthen relationships.
We all need to know that we are loved. As much as we thrive on receiving love, God’s Word makes it clear that loving others is the bigger deal.
It’s not all about me.
Unfortunately.
Sounds like a no-brainer. Most of us have been around a long enough to know the Sunday-school answers. But loving one another doesn’t come in pat answers and cookie-cutter moments. To be honest, I’ve got a stubborn streak of all-about-me-DNA that breaks loose every now and then.
When our focus is on ourselves, we’re all about getting our need for love met in just the way we like it. It is the love of Christ that frees us from the “what’s-in-it-for-me” mindset in our relationships. Fresh faith is the power to love others God’s way.
A fresh take on Valentine’s Day
This year, let’s reach beyond the cards and the candy. Love that fill’s hearts and changes lives is best described in 1 Corinthians 13. Consider these practical ways to love others better. I’ve written these verses as a list.
None of these ways to love comes naturally. I wish it did. Especially last week when my husband wanted to go test-drive cars after dinner. Noooooo…. not the Toyota dealership!
No thank you, I’d rather stay home and clip my toenails.
Being the loving wife, I pasted on my sure-I’d-love-not-really smile. Oh the sacrifices we make for love, right? I didn’t get 10 steps out the door before God was giving me a good nudge–a begrudging attitude isn’t showing love, is it?
Busted.
“For you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another…”–1 Thessalonians 4:9
Taught by God.
To love.
One another.
So we aren’t set loose with the big commandment to love people, trying to figure it out on our own. Think about a relationship that’s challenging at the moment. How could your attitude change if you reframe your perspective from a battle zone to a training ground?
Patience is rarely easy and kindness is too often simply a good intention when tempers flair or words hurt.
Love Keeps Relationships Fresh
The word love in 1 Corinthians is translated in the Greek as agape.
- This is a self-giving love without expecting anything in return.
- Agape is love that can be given to the most undeserving folks.
- Think of the meanest person you know–agape can love them.
- It is a love that carries on even when disappointed or rejected for it doesn’t love in order to get.
- This agape love is far more than a feeling for it chooses self-denial for the sake of someone else.
When my life is all about me, agape is impossible.
It is the power of Christ that frees us from the deep need that wants to love in order to get, to love for the sake of self. This is how we love others with faith that is fresh and real.
Love is where the spiritual meets the practical right in the middle of everything.
[tweetthis]Choose to love in the nitty-gritty daily moments.[/tweetthis]
When the husband forgets to take out the trash, choose patience. When you are frustrated, choose kindness.
Receive this agape from Christ, and let it refresh the choices you make. Filling up with God’s love energizes the words you say and how you spend your time. When your friend seems to have the perfect home, refuse to be envious.
When love is difficult, hold on to hope with [tweetthis]When love is difficult, hold on to hope with fresh faith.[/tweetthis].
Thought by thought, word by word, and action by action let love seep out of your conversations. Love softens your touch and brings strength to your convictions. Let love inspire the words you say and how you spend your time. Seek love in your actions and the decisions you make.
Take it one moment at a time, depending on Christ to empower you to give your very best self in loving others.
Even as I have loved you...there is only one place to find agape. Only one source for the love we crave. Receive the fresh love of Christ and choose to love one another well.
Which one of these loving ways comes easiest for you? Which ones are the most challenging?
Enjoy fun quotes graphics on love here.
How to Know What to Say When Hard Things Happen
Pouring a cup of coffee, I relish the steamy aroma. There’s a sweet morning pleasure of that first sip of coffee. It’s going to be a great day. Glancing at my phone on the counter, I check to see if there are any messages.
Up pops a message from my daughter, the one who recently left home to go to college.
My heart stops.
My great day start slams into the unexpected shock of tragic news.
“Mom, my friend’s dad died last night. Idk what to say.”
Tears well as I take it in. I know this child and their family lives in our neighborhood, and my heart grieves at the magnitude of this loss.
Again, I read my daughter’s text. Through the letters on the screen, I know her heart. Caring for her friend, but unsure how to respond. I’ve felt that way at times, haven’t you?
- How to encourage without sounding trite?
- How to overcome the fear of sticking my foot in my mouth?
- How to avoid tripping all over someone’s tender heart with clumsy good intentions?
I’m not a pro at this by any means, but here’s what God has been teaching me about meaningful encouragement.
It’s okay not to know what to say, but don’t leave it there.
4 Things to Remember When Comforting a Friend
1. First of all pray…
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints… Ephesians 6:18
Let’s ask God to train our hearts that our first response is prayer. Pray for help, pray for healing, pray for peace, pray for wisdom, pray for words…
Too often we sigh, “There’s nothing left to do now but pray.” As if prayer is a last resort when all of our efforts and remedies have failed. How would our responses be different if we pray first, asking God to show us what to do and say next?
Cultivate the holy habit of PRAY FIRST.
A great verse to pray:
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
2. Love one another.
Knowing my girl was now in class, I texted her back, “Let her know you care. Come alongside with love.”
Visit, email, text, FB message, snail mail–reach out and show you care in whatever way you have at your fingertips. Don’t wait for tomorrow or for when you have more time. Just connect and support. Reach out. Don’t wait for someone else to do it.
3. Resist the pressure to fix.
You don’t have to have the answers or be able to solve the problem–we don’t have that kind of power and last time I checked, magic wands were not available at Walmart. Some days, I’d really love to have a magic wand…
I’m the kind of person who assumes emotional responsibility for others. When I can’t make things better, my go-to internal response is anxiety. I’m sure there’s some lofty psycho-babble term for this, but the struggle is real. If I can’t make it better, I can at least to a bang-up job of worrying about it.
I’m slowly learning to recognize and let go of that self-imposed pressure to make problems go away. I’m learning to simply be…
Be supportive. Be loving. Be prayerful. Be helpful.
4. Look and listen for God’s lead.
Prayerfully listen to the ideas that niggle at your heart, the suggestions that press into your thoughts. Look to see opportunities God opens. He knows what is needed and how you can best help.
The most effective comfort begins in the heart of God.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. —1 Corinthians 1:3-4
A few ways God may lead you to respond:
- physical help–childcare, meals, knowledge, or transportation
- emotional care–listen, encourage, or be present
- spiritual support: pray deeply, give scripture, or share your own relevant struggle
When we follow the Spirit’s leading, God works through us to support others in a way that is the best for this person and this moment.
[tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#helpafriend #encouragement”]Every situation is different and cookie-cutter answers lack the power of God at work.[/tweetthis]
When the Holy Spirit moves, He is never trite.
Never insincere.
Never too busy.
And never too late.
This is why prayer is our first and best response. Without prayer, we may miss the stirrings and promptings of the Holy Spirit.
When we invite God in and trust Him to lead,
we have the privilege to be God’s hands and feet,
sharing His heart in a moment of need.
How do you help a friend in hard times? Your idea may be just the thing someone needs to read today.