Taking Care Of Yourself

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Taking Care Of Yourself

Matthew 12:14-15: “But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from the place.”

There was a plot to get rid of Jesus. He knew it, and left the place of danger. But he did not withdraw from serving; he continued to minister wherever he went. He did not stop being the person God the Father wanted him to be. Later, when the time was right, Jesus died on the cross. But at this particular time, he removed himself from the source of danger.

Some of us do not take care of ourselves. We stay in situations that are dangerous, even though we have the option to leave. By “sticking around” we think we are showing our spirituality or moral character. True, there may be circumstances when we need to stay and confront the issues. However, some of us may equate love and concern with allowing injustice and pain. We truly believe that we prove our loyalty and compassion by permitting others to threaten and harm us emotionally, mentally, spirituality, or physically. The question: “What would Jesus do?” may help us with the difficult decision to stay or leave.

Lord, please give me courage
to act with wisdom and strength.
Help me to know the difference
between running away and taking care of myself.

Joan C. Webb