In our journey as stewards of faith, we often think of serving others and fulfilling Jesus’ mission in the world. We recognize our call to care for God’s creation, uplift the poor, and live out the Gospel in love and charity. But being a good steward also means honoring the temple of our own body and soul. Jesus taught us to love others as ourselves—implying a respect, care, and patience we should show ourselves as much as those around us.
In Matthew 22:39, Jesus says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This command implicitly requires that we first practice self-love and self-compassion. Just as a gardener must nurture and water a plant for it to bear fruit, we must nurture our own hearts and minds to bear good fruit for Christ. Ignoring our own well-being can lead to burnout and diminish our ability to serve others effectively. Jesus often took time away to pray and renew Himself, teaching us that rest and self-care are vital to sustain our mission.
Being a good steward to oneself is about embracing the same mercy, forgiveness, and grace Jesus offers us. It’s resisting the harshness of self-criticism and instead choosing a path of self-kindness, honoring our God-given dignity. When we allow Christ’s love to truly penetrate our own hearts, we become more authentic, compassionate stewards—not only for the world but also in the way we care for ourselves. By doing so, we create a life that reflects the fullness of Jesus’ love, fulfilling His mission in a way that honors both His creation and His presence within us.4
Blessings,
Deacon Mike
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