You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.

—Matthew 22:37

 

Take time to care for yourself.

 

I used to think this was blasphemous.  “How dare I should think of myself?” I reasoned, “On the contrary, I should forget myself and focus on others and God!”

 

But Jesus took time to care for himself, escaping to the sea or a mountain, away from the rush of crowds that wanted Him to meet their needs for healing, food, and wisdom.  He went home to friends (Mary and Martha and Lazarus) in Bethany when he wanted to rest for the night after preaching in Jerusalem for the entire day.

 

I believe that each of us has a “love tank” from where we scoop up and dispense love to others.  If we keep on giving love to others, our love tanks will soon be empty–so we need to replenish that tank…

 

In fact, when the hemorrhaging woman touched Jesus and got healed, Jesus said, “power had gone out of me.”  That was why he retreated into the arms of his Father and recharged and refilled his love tank.

 

After a tired day of speaking engagements, I know I need to refill my love tank.  I switch into a “loving myself” mode by simply being quiet in prayer or being with my wife cuddled up beside me or reading a good book or watching a good film.

 

Instead of taking the common vacations that people take these days (These vacations are so rushed, they come home wanting a vacation from their vacation!), I schedule “personal restoration retreats” regularly.  These are very slow days of reading, walking, praying, and sleeping.

 

Love yourself.

 

Here are some questions to ask yourself: “Are you comfortable with loving yourself?  Why or why not?”  List a few things you can do to love yourself this coming week. 

 

 

May your dreams come true,

 

 

Bo Sanchez

 

PS. Do you want inner healing and restoration?  Join my “Your Past Does Not Define Your Future” Seminar on October 26 in Quezon City.  Experience God’s powerful touch; Be free from past hurts and traumas.  If you want to join this day of miracles, click here now.

 

PS2. Experience God’s powerful touch; Be free from past hurts and traumas.  If you want to join my Your Past Does Not Define Your Future Seminar, click here now.