DO GOOD ALSO FOR YOURSELF – UNDAILY Ep. 194

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” MATTHEW 22:37-40 (NIV) Doing good for others is a fundamental aspect of human nature, deeply rooted in both psychology and biblical teachings. However, it's equally important that our good deeds are not carried out at the expense of our physical and mental health. How can we achieve this balance? Let's explore this issue from the perspectives of psychology and biblical teachings. Psychology emphasizes the importance of self-care as a key component of mental health. In a world full of challenges and dynamic changes, helping others can lead to emotional exhaustion if we neglect our own needs. Setting boundaries is not a sign of selfishness, but an act of wisdom that allows us to help others in a balanced way. Self-regulation and the ability to manage our emotions and stress are crucial skills that help us find balance in life. It's also important to be self-aware, understanding our own needs and limitations, which helps prevent overcommitting at the expense of our own well-being. In biblical teachings, we find much inspiration about helping others, but also about taking care of oneself. Jesus taught, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This simple yet profound commandment reminds us that love for others should be balanced with love for ourselves. The Bible does not advocate self-sacrifice to the point of personal detriment; rather, it promotes a balance between caring for others and attending to our own emotional and material needs. Mutual support is also a key aspect, often emphasized in the Epistles. Such mutual aid enriches relationships and allows for harmonious coexistence. Helping others should be an act of joy, not obligation, as often highlighted in the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's Epistles. In practice, taking care of oneself does not mean giving up on helping others. Finding time for rest and recovery is as important as the act of helping itself. Even Jesus, the embodiment of love and service, took time to rest and seek solitude to recharge. Serving with wisdom, within the limits of our capabilities, is key to providing lasting support. When helping others, we should act out of love, not duty, deriving joy and satisfaction from the act itself, without expecting gratitude, as this makes us more resilient to being hurt. Doing good for others can be a source of deep joy and satisfaction if we ensure our actions are balanced and full of love. Both psychology and biblical teachings teach that balance and awareness of our own needs are crucial. When helping others, remember to love yourself, for only then can we serve with joy and a full heart, without losing ourselves in the process. Radio Safira FM, may God bless us all.