4 Worshipful Ways to Remember the Resurrection Every Day
An Easter devotion to inspire you to embrace the power of the resurrection of Jesus every day. Biblical wisdom to celebrate Easter throughout the year.
Easter comes softly, opening like the azaleas blooming in my back yard. In a busy life, Easter sneaks in, quietly overlooked in the blare of traffic, the push of work, and the constant motion of home and family.
Preparing our hearts for Easter is easily nudged aside. For this moment, stop the scurry and take a breath. Still your thoughts and discover the refreshing power of remembering.
A thread of connection between past and present, between temporal and eternal, the act of remembering is a practical part of worship.
Sometimes remembering is retrieving a lost thought, forgotten somewhere along the way. “Oh, now I remember…”
And then there is a spiritual practice of remembering—intentionally placing something on the forefront of our attention. The word remember is peppered throughout Scripture. Guarding our wayward and forgetful hearts, the practice of remembering opens the way for the Holy Spirit to work in our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Every. Single. Day.
Beyond all this, remembering becomes a tribute of honor, meaningful in the holiness of worship.
4 Worshipful Ways to Remember the Resurrection Every Day
Remember the first resurrection day.
Discover the power of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus every day. #easter #easterdevotion #resurrection Share on X
Hearts heavy with grief pressed down hard, women approached the tomb to find the stone is rolled away. Far beyond the ability of a single man to move, the stone no longer seals the grave where Jesus was placed.
Thoughts and emotions tangled and fought to make sense of the inexplicable. They entered into the tomb to discover His body was gone as two men appeared:
While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen.”–Luke 24:4-6a
1. Remember Jesus is alive.
He is not dead.
He is not absent.
He has conquered sin and delivered us from the power of death.
In the confusion and grief of the moment, God sent a message to these women, and to us as well. How often do we, like the women at the tomb, need to remember our Lord is very much alive?
Every. Single. Day.
2. Remember His words.
“Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘the Son of Man must be delivered…'”–Luke 24:6b
Our Easter joy is in the power of this news–He has risen. The triumph of Easter is powerful, life-giving, world-changing news we need to remember. Every. Single. Day.
With our focus on Jesus’ resurrection, it’s easy to bypass the instruction of the angels at the tomb:
Remember what He said.
Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James had heard Jesus teach the Scriptures, and they also heard his personal words spoken through relationship over time. How many conversations had they had with Christ over the years?
How many memories?
How many messages had He spoken to their hearts?
In these conversations, Christ had explained what would happen–words that didn’t make sense at the time. Didn’t make sense at the moment, but in this moment it all became clear.
Now they remembered.
And now they understood.
Remembering what Christ said enabled them to understand a situation beyond their human experience. Remembering and understanding gave them powerful news to share with the others.
Remembering opened the door to greater joy through deeper understanding.
[tweetthis]Make time to listen, learn, and remember the words of Jesus.[/tweetthis]
Every. Single. Day.
3. Remember to return and report.
And they remembered His words, and returned from the tomb and reported all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.–Luke 24:8-9
Remembering isn’t’ just for our benefit, not just for our faith, not just for our moment. The holy act of remembering is for returning to our places, homes, offices, communities to share the truth that Jesus lives.
And it is for reporting what we have experienced–the power of God’s word as it meets our experience–revelation.
Hearts that remember are able to remind others in their moments, their needs, and their hard places. We have the privilege of helping others to remember what Christ has said. Sharing this post is a great way to do this.
Every. Single. Day.
4. Remember Jesus is Savior, Lord, and Life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to theFather but through Me.–John 14:6
Remembering the resurrection–the truth that Christ is our Life is a worshipful way to great every day. Trusting in Christ for every need is remembering the resurrection in a way that will daily impact your life. [tweetthis]Don’t forget to enjoy the fresh life of Christ, bringing joy and strength that makes each day count.[/tweetthis]
Happy Easter, friends! Be blessed and be a blessing as you keep faith fresh by remembering to live fully in the life of Christ.
Every. Single. Day.
More Easter Devotions from Ginger
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Six Powerful Lessons on Love and Humility from the Last Supper
As we prepare for Easter, reflect on these lessons about love and humility from Jesus’ teachings at the Last Supper. What can we learn from Christ’s words and example in his last meal with his disciples? Jesus demonstrated the power of love and humility in serving others as he washed the disciples’ feet. Are we willing to love and serve like Jesus?
Evening settles as men gather around a table for dinner. They do not yet know these are last moments carved out of time to have one final lesson with the Master.
Jesus could have talked about many things on this last evening with the disciples. They could have spent the time reminiscing the many stories they had lived together. He could have reviewed three years of teaching.
The importance of Jesus’s teaching at the Last Supper.
Last moments are for the heart and Christ leaves his disciples with powerful lessons on love and humility.
He “rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:4-5
Getting up from the table, leaving the comfort of a good meal, Jesus purposefully lowers his position. Willingly he places himself in the position of a servant, the one with the most menial of tasks–to wash the feet filthy with the dust of the road and the sludge of life. The disciples were shocked that their teacher would stoop to such a lowly task. From our vantage point in history, the depth of humility is even more striking: the Son of God carried out the work of a servant.
How might the disciples have felt in that moment?
Foot washing was a task typically reserved for the lowliest household servants. It was unheard of for a respected rabbi to perform this act. The disciples, who had been arguing about who among them was the greatest (Luke 22:24), would have been deeply unsettled, perhaps even embarrassed, by Jesus’ actions.
Peter’s strong reaction, “Never shall You wash my feet!” (John 13:8), underscores their discomfort. Their teacher and Lord demonstrated a level of humility they could barely comprehend.
Jesus’s example of humility in the last supper.
“Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” John 13:12-15
As Christ washes the filth from feet, example becomes the tool–learning in the living, actions bring words to life and we will never be the same.
Knowing the moment of his betrayal by one of his own is set in motion, Jesus washes feet that walk across the heartache and trouble of this world gaping wide with sin. In just a few hours the sinless Son of God will lay down his life for the sin of us all. We cannot fully wrap our minds around the deep love and humility of Christ.
Six Powerful Lessons on Love and Humility from the Last Supper
Example is the most effective way of teaching lessons that transform. As we reflect on these last hours together, Jesus taught powerful lessons on the value of loving others with humility and service.
1. Be willing to get up from the table.
Acts of service require that we get up from the table. Service begins with a willingness to stop what we may be doing in order to serve others. Selfishness is a default setting in our human brains.
Are we willing?
2. Go low.
Jesus didn’t set a limit on the type of task he was willing to do to show love and service. Even though he set the stars in place, he stooped low to wash his disciples’ feet.
Are we willing?
3. Lay it aside.
Laying aside his garments…Jesus prepared to do the menial work of a servant, washing the feet of his disciples. How many times have we grumbled when interrupted? How easily we balk when it comes to putting the interests of others before our own. In our social media driven culture, we curate our lives, carefully choosing the images that show us at our best. Taking off his outer garments was an act of vulnerability with no shred of pride. Jesus showed how to lay aside image and reputation in service to others.
Are we willing?
4. The power of cleansing.
Peter responds, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answers, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” John 13:8
Has God ever surprised you with how he chooses to work? I’m sure none of the disciples entered the upper room that night expecting Jesus to wash their feet. Are we willing to learn, when the lesson is not what we expected?
Cleaning our sin-stained hearts is a non-negotiable aspect of the saving work of Jesus. True humility of service requires that selfishness and sin be purified.
Are we willing?
5. Knowing is not the same as doing.
IF you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. —John 13:17
If is an interesting word, isn’t it? Packed with possibility and choice, the word If raises a question. Maybe we will, but then again…maybe we won’t.
How often do we know the right thing. . . but don’t do it?
Obedience can be a touchy subject, evoking memories of times we broke the rules, got in trouble, or let someone down. When we view obeying God through the foggy lens of religious duty or performance-based acceptance, obedience feels hard and heavy.
On this last night, Jesus teaches that our best blessings come when follow his example with humility and love.
There is a blessing for us in obedience in serving others, even in the most menial of tasks.
Are we willing?
6. Live it out.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.–John 13:34-35
Why does Jesus close out his time on earth, his last peaceful moments of friendship, emphasizing the importance of loving one another? These are the last hours before the world will rise against him with the harsh words chanted by frenzied crowds, “Crucify him, crucify him!“
When we dig beneath the soil of our ambitions, our greatest need and our deepest struggle is to love and be loved. “Love me,” is the cry of every heart. “Am I loved? Am I loveable? Am I worth loving?” is the question that hides in every motivation, desire, and conflict.
Reflection questions on love and humility.
Take a few moments to go deeper into this passage by reflecting on these questions:
- What is something you may need to pause or set aside to serve someone today?
- Is there a task you’ve been avoiding because it feels beneath you? How might approaching it with humility reflect Christ’s love?
- What might you need to “lay aside” to serve others more freely—your comfort, pride, or even reputation?
- When has God worked in an unexpected way in your life? How did it teach you to trust Him more deeply?
- What is one way you can put into action something you know God has called you to do?
Why did Jesus teach this lesson on love?
- Love is like oxygen. We need to know we are loved and we need to love others.
- Loving God and loving one another is the one foundation we cannot do without.
- Love is where life is lived, salvation worked out, and victory won.
- Love is the motivation of humility.
Without love, service is meaningless, teaching becomes noise, and faith misses the point.
Without love we are bankrupt souls and our greatest work turns to dust in the light of eternity.–Holy in the Moment
At first glance, this is a seemingly simple command: love others.
Familiar words, until we read as I have loved you. Loving others as Christ has loved us requires a willingness to serve and sacrifice, to love without condition, expectation, or position. There are so many important lessons woven into Jesus’ example and teaching during the Last Supper. Lessons on love and humility that have the power to transform our hearts and impact the world around us.
As we reflect on the humility and love demonstrated by Jesus at the Last Supper, may it inspire us to serve others with a willing heart. If this message has touched your heart, I invite you to explore more Easter content that dives deeper into Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. Let these stories and lessons renew your faith and prepare your heart for this holy season.
Lord, make us willing.
Leave a comment and share which one of these powerful lessons resonates most with you today!
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More Easter Posts
Read more inspirational content from Ginger.
- The Easter Collection: Best Devotions to Celebrate Lent and Easter
- 4 Worshipful Ways to Remember the Resurrection Every Day
- Easter Will Not Be Cancelled: Remember the Unstoppable Joy of the Resurrection
- Listen to Jesus: 4 Truths Every Believer Needs to Hear
- Six Short Devotions to Help You Listen to Jesus
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:
It’s Okay to Love Yourself
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.
Because God loves you, “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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Other posts in this series:
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.
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
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