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

I used to think self-care was kind of… self-centered.

Sure, I showered, brushed my teeth, ate my meals (usually sitting on the sofa or at my desk), and kept up with responsibilities, mostly. But anything beyond the basics? That felt “extra.” Like if I set aside time for myself—just to rest or recharge—I was being lazy, shallow, or too focused on me.

Maybe you’ve thought that too.

Especially in faith circles, self-sacrifice gets praised while self-care can feel suspicious. I believed that being a good Christian woman, wife, and mom meant pouring myself out completely—and ignoring any needs that didn’t directly benefit someone else.

But here’s the truth I’ve come to learn:

Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s stewardship.

And when it’s grounded in God’s truth, it’s not only good for you—it honors the One who created you.

When I Started Reframing Self-Care

Recently, I started going through The Self-Care Devotional, a 180-day devotional I carry in Food Faith Home. It’s gentle and grace-filled—more refreshing than a spa day and way more meaningful.

The devotional covers topics like Understanding Your Feelings, Protecting Your Schedule, Finding Joy, Being Kind to Yourself, and Nourishing Your Soul. But what I really love? It keeps pointing me back to Christ. Each day reminds me that my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit—and that treating it with care, love, and patience isn’t vain… it’s obedient.

One line stuck with me: “Caring for yourself honors the temple God gave you.”

That truth changed everything.

What Is Biblical Self-Care?

Biblical self-care isn’t about bubble baths and retail therapy (though I won’t knock a good soak or a cozy robe). It’s not indulgent or self-absorbed. Instead, it’s rooted in wisdom, discipline, rest, and trust.

It’s the kind of care Jesus modeled.

He stepped away to pray. He napped on boats. He made time for solitude. He didn’t rush healing. He honored the body God gave Him—even in His humanity.

So what does biblical self-care look like for us?

It looks like honoring your God-given limits, setting boundaries with grace, nourishing your soul with truth, and making room for stillness in a loud world.

7 Simple Ways to Practice Biblical Self-Care

Here are a few ways I’ve started weaving biblical self-care into my life—many inspired by the devotional I mentioned earlier:

1. Pause and Pray First

Before you scroll. Before you plan. Before you pour that third cup of coffee.

Start your day with a pause and a prayer.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just a moment to reconnect with God before the world gets loud. It reminds your soul Who’s really in charge of the day.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10

2. Honor Your Schedule—But Don’t Worship It

One devotion in The Self-Care Devotional encouraged me to protect my schedule like a gatekeeper, not a prisoner. You’re allowed to say no. Every open hour isn’t an invitation to overcommit.

Leave space for margin. Space to breathe. Space to rest.

3. Feed Your Body With Love

Food is fuel. It’s also a gift. You don’t need a trendy diet or rigid rules to care for your body well. You just need simple, nourishing meals and a little gratitude.

Try blessing your meal out loud—even if you’re eating alone. It shifts the moment from “just getting through lunch” to sacred, daily provision.

4. Be Kind to Yourself

So often, we’re our own worst critics. One devotion reminded me that God doesn’t speak to us in shameful tones—so why do we talk to ourselves that way?

Speak life. Speak love. Speak scripture over yourself when you’re tempted to spiral.

5. Create a Little Stillness Each Day

You don’t need a full Sabbath (though that’s beautiful if you can swing it). Just find small ways to rest: sit in the sun, take a deep breath, put your phone down, listen to worship music instead of podcasts.

Stillness can be two minutes long—and still be holy.

6. Make Joy a Practice, Not a Perk

Joy isn’t something you earn by being productive. It’s something you receive by abiding in Christ.

So go ahead—laugh out loud, take the scenic route, play music while you clean, watch the sunset just because.

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

7. Reflect With Intention

Whether you journal, pray out loud, or simply sit with your thoughts, take time to reflect.

If you need a guide, The Self-Care Devotional offers gentle prompts and scripture-focused thoughts to help you slow down and reconnect. It’s become part of my morning and evening rhythm—and I genuinely look forward to it.

Caring for Yourself Is a Way to Say “Thank You” to God

You don’t need permission to rest. You already have it. God gave it to you.

When you care for your body, your mind, and your soul, you’re not stepping away from your calling—you’re strengthening your ability to walk in it. You're showing up for your life with intention and grace.

You’re living like someone who believes they’re loved by God.

Because you are.

Want to Start Your Own Self-Care Journey?

If you’re in a busy or weary season—and you're craving stillness, peace, and permission to rest—I can’t recommend The Self-Care Devotional enough. It’s a comforting, Christ-centered guide that gently brings you back to what matters most.

📖 Click here to view the devotional in the shop →

This little book has been a balm for my soul—and if you’ve made it this far in the post, I have a feeling it might be one for you, too.

You are not selfish for needing rest. You are not vain for wanting peace. You are a child of God—and caring for yourself is one way to honor the One who made you.

Let’s stop seeing self-care as a guilty pleasure and start seeing it for what it is:

Holy, intentional, grace-filled stewardship.