Years ago, I heard the acronym JOY—Jesus, Others, and You—as a reminder of how we should order our priorities. One woman in my small group suggested it might be better as Jesus, You, and Others, arguing that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t truly care for anyone else. After all, Jesus tells us in Matthew 22:39 to “love others as you love yourself.” Without self-respect or genuine love for ourselves, it’s hard to extend real care to those around us.
Still, the original acronym makes an important point: when we put Jesus first, He takes care of our needs, leaving us free to serve others and accept the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Ultimately, we are called to be people of love who cherish God, ourselves, and others.
As Philippians 4:4-6 encourages, “Rejoice in the Lord always… Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”