At Refuge, we’ve spent the last several weeks working though Holy Habits; a series about the sanctity of self-care. But Self-care was never the final destination. It’s the foundation. We care for ourselves so that we can care for others and build community.

Love God, Love Yourself, Love Others

Jesus said: “Love the Lord God with all your passion, prayer, intelligence, and energy… and love others as well as you love yourself.” (Mark 12:30–31, MSG)

Each habit we looked at – meditation, prayer, silence, sabbath, and deconstruction – allows us to heal and reconnect. But healing becomes holy when it overflows into how we treat others.

Created for Community

In Genesis 2:18, God says that is not not good for the human to be alone. That’s not just about marriage and romance, but about ALL PEOPLE — all of humanity. We are wired for connection. Solitude is sacred, but isolation is not.

Community is Self-Care

Loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking cigarettes every day! Studies have shown that true community reduces stress, lowers anxiety, and improves well-being. Acts 2 paints the perfect picture of, what Pastor Nicole called: Potluck with a Purpose! People living, sharing, and worshipping togethers.

Created for Work

Even though this might sound like a contradiction to sabbath, it’s not! Before sin entered the world God gave humans a job: tend the garden and give creation a name. Work isn’t punishment, it’s partnership. Humanity got to co-create with our creator!

In Hebrew, the word for “work” can also mean worship. Whether you’re making dinner, teaching kids, volunteering, cleaning the church, taking dinner to someone; if it’s done with love, it is sacred!

You Can Not Give From an Empty Well!

If Nicole said it once, she said it 100 times. The heart of community is giving from our overflow. Loving ourselves and caring for ourselves in a way that overflows into the world and people around us.

We were never meant to hustle our way into holiness.

We were created to rest and heal — and when we’re ready give from a place of peace not pressure.

Our giving philosophy at Refuge is simple. In time, money, and resources we as that you give what you can when you can. Not out of guilt or compulsion but because you love God and love yourself and are ready to give from the overflow.

Benediction.

God may we go from this place not striving. 
But resting in the truth that you are already enough.
May our rhythms reflect your grace
May our work be worship. 
And let our love be an overflow of our healing. 
Remind us that we are loved.
We are called.
We are not alone
May we live in peace and in purpose.