“Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves.  Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  For even Christ did not please himself.” (Romans 15:1-3)

These days, there’s so much emphasis on self-care, and self-promotion, and setting boundaries, and “doing what’s right for you”.  These have their place, certainly, but it’s easy to cross the line from taking good care of yourself to simply being self-centered and self-serving.

We are actually called to live thoughtfully of others before ourselves.  

I imagine it like us going on a family hike.  Which is to say, we go as fast as the four-year-old can go.  Of course, my husband and I are quite capable of going twice her speed—and there are times when we kind of wish we could.  Yet, we slow our steps, wait for her when she falls behind, take her hand to help her along.   We set aside our strength and bear with her weakness because we love her.

“Love does not seek its own.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

P.S. See this original post for info about this photo challenge and more about this reading plan I’m using this summer for the book of Romans (and I’d love to have you join in!)!About the photo: I always admire the way this particular variety of grass gracefully and naturally bends.  I’m not as up on my grass identification, so if anyone can tell me what kind of grass it is, please comment and let me know!