“Love one another as I have loved you.” — John 13:34
Some days in ministry, love overflows effortlessly. Other days, it feels like we’re pouring from an empty cup. And yet, Jesus doesn’t call us to a love that burns us out or drains us dry. He invites us into agape — a love that is self-giving, yes, but also sustaining. A love that overflows from being rooted in Him.
In John’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of a new commandment. Not just an instruction — but a way of being. A transformation. “Love one another as I have loved you.” That word for love, agape, is not rooted in emotion, sentimentality, or even mutual interest. It is radical, sacrificial, holy. And real.
Joy Can’t Be Forced
Here’s the truth: you can’t fake it.
You can’t fake love, and you can’t fake joy. Not for long. And not in ministry.
Joy becomes a sort of barometer — not the surface kind of joy, but the deep, sustaining kind that wells up even in hardship. When we find ourselves irritable, disconnected, or resentful, it’s worth asking: Am I rooted in Christ’s love? Or am I trying to do it all on my own?
The Sacred Work of Receiving
To fully share Christ’s love with others, we need to wholeheartedly invite and embrace His unconditional and merciful love for us, overcoming self-doubt and learning to love ourselves.
We minister to others best when we’ve allowed ourselves to be ministered to. Just like the flight attendant reminds us to put on our own oxygen mask before helping others — we are reminded this week that self-stewardship is not selfish. It’s sacred.
Permission to Pause
So I ask: How often do you feel like you have to fake it in ministry?
Faking joy, faking connection, faking presence… it leaves us tired, hollow, and eventually resentful. That’s not what God desires for you. He desires fullness — love that flows through you, not draining you.
And if you’re reading this and realizing your joy is running low, let this be your permission to pause.
Let this be your reminder that you matter, too. That your heart deserves tending. That your joy is not optional — it’s essential.
If You’re Running on Empty…
If you’re in need of regaining your joy…
If you’ve been pouring out without being poured into…
If you’re wondering how to love well when you’re worn out…
You’re not alone.
Ministry isn’t about white-knuckling your way through exhaustion.
It’s not about staying quiet while something inside you slowly withers.
It’s about being filled — so you can truly pour out.
What You Need Isn’t More Productivity
Here’s the truth:
You don’t need another productivity hack.
You need someone to help you pause, reflect, and rebuild what burnout has eroded.
Here’s How I Can Help
I provide structured accompaniment rooted in faith, emotional insight, and the practical support needed to help you restore clarity, reclaim joy, and discern how to serve without losing yourself.
Here’s What You’ll Gain
- Space to process what’s really going on beneath the surface
- Tools to stop faking it and start living more fully
- A path forward that’s deeply rooted in who God created you to be
Ministry isn’t performance.
It’s presence.
And joy is not optional — it’s essential.
If You’re Ready…
If you’re ready to stop faking it and start tending your own soul again, don’t wait to reach out.
We’ll talk honestly about where you are and where God may be calling you next.
