The Balance of Divine Love
The Balance of Divine Love: Tending to God's Living Temple
When we think of divine love, we often picture endless giving - a bottomless well of compassion and service to others. Yet, even in the greatest example of love we know, we find a beautiful blueprint for balance. Jesus himself would retreat to quiet places to pray, rest, and commune with God. This wasn't selfish - it was sacred self-care, a vital part of His divine purpose.
Scripture teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit - living sanctuaries where God chooses to dwell. Just as the ancient temples required careful maintenance, regular cleansing, and sacred attention, our bodies and spirits require the same devotional care. When we neglect this living temple through constant giving without restoration, we risk creating an environment that's less suitable for God's presence.
Think of yourself as a sacred garden within God's temple:
An untended garden becomes overgrown and wild
A neglected temple falls into disrepair
An exhausted vessel cannot hold fresh oil
A depleted sanctuary cannot host divine presence
When we understand self-care through this lens, it transforms from a luxury into a holy responsibility:
Resting becomes an act of worship
Boundary-setting becomes temple maintenance
Self-nurturing becomes sanctuary preparation
Personal healing becomes temple restoration
The divine pattern shows us:
God rested after creation, setting a sacred example
Temples had specific times for different purposes
Even sacred vessels needed cleansing and care
The holiest places had clear boundaries
Remember: When you tend to your temple with love and care, you're not being selfish - you're being a faithful steward of God's dwelling place. Just as no one would criticize a priest for maintaining the temple, you shouldn't criticize yourself for maintaining your sacred vessel.
Your body, mind, and spirit are the gardens where God chooses to walk, just as He walked in Eden (Genesis 3:8). When you honor these spaces through mindful self-care, you're creating an environment worthy of divine presence (Psalm 132:7).
