What Does the Bible Say About Self-Care?

Self-care is often misunderstood as selfish or indulgent, but the Bible offers a more uplifting perspective. What does the Bible say about self-care? It presents self-care as a meaningful act of stewardship—caring for the body and soul entrusted to us by God.

In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, the Apostle Paul reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought at a price, and we are called to honor God with them. This perspective reframes self-care as a vital practice that enables us to glorify God and serve others the right way.

Self-Care as Stewardship

The Bible teaches stewardship, emphasizing that we are caretakers of God’s gifts, including our own physical and spiritual well-being. Stewardship involves balance:

• Tending to physical health
• Nurturing spiritual growth
• Renewing emotions
• Honoring the need for rest

We are better equipped to fulfill our God-given responsibilities by caring for ourselves.

Jesus highlighted this balance in Matthew 22:37–39, commanding us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Loving ourselves in a godly way includes caring for the resources God has given us, such as our health and energy.

Additionally, Genesis 2:15 illustrates stewardship, with humanity entrusted to care for creation—a principle that applies to our self-care as well.

Fitness and Nutrition: Honoring the Body

Taking care of our physical health is an act of worship and obedience to God. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and preventative care allow us to use our bodies as vessels for His purposes. In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, Paul underscores that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, reinforcing the need for discipline in maintaining them.

Fitness and nutrition also affect our emotional and spiritual energy, directly influencing how we serve others. Scripture supports this connection: Proverbs 3:7–8 explains that wisdom brings health to the body.

Meanwhile 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 compares physical discipline to spiritual endurance. By honoring our physical well-being, we align ourselves with God’s calling.

Rest and Retreat: A Biblical Mandate

God Himself set the example for rest in Genesis 2:2–3, resting on the seventh day after creation.

This divine principle is echoed in Exodus 20:8–11, where the Sabbath is commanded as a holy day of rest. However, rest is more than physical relaxation; it is also a spiritual practice. Hebrews 4:9–11 describes true rest as obedience to God and time spent in His Word.

In practical terms, rest can take many forms:

• Observing a Sabbath
• Incorporating moments of stillness
• Scheduling daily retreats to connect with God

A retreat doesn’t have to mean going away for days—it can be as simple as an hour of quiet prayer or reflection. Matthew 11:28–30 offers Jesus an invitation to find rest in Him. While Psalm 127:2 reminds us that God grants rest to those He loves.

Practical Self-Care for Business Leaders

For business leaders, self-care is crucial to sustaining productivity, inspiring teams, and maintaining long-term vision. Addressing physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational needs builds resilience and enhances leadership.

Practical tips for leaders include prioritizing consistent rest to avoid burnout, scheduling hobbies or downtime to foster creativity, and cultivating meaningful relationships for support. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for everything.

1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

While Philippians 4:13 assures us that God strengthens us to care for ourselves and others.

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

By modeling balanced stewardship, leaders can foster a healthier workplace culture and inspire their teams to thrive holistically.

Honoring God Through Self-Care

Self-care isn’t self-indulgent. Instead, it’s a biblical mandate to steward our God-given resources. By embracing self-care, we honor God, enhance our capacity to serve others, and cultivate a life that reflects His glory.

Take the next step in aligning your life with biblical principles. Join C12 Greater Detroit to connect with like-minded leaders who prioritize spiritual growth and holistic success. Together, we can transform our approach to business, faith, and self-care.