“I used to think I had to be the perfect parent, friend, or spouse. But when I started chewing on God’s love in my messiest moments, I found the strength to love others—even when I felt empty.”
Why Loving Well Feels Impossible When You’re Overwhelmed
Whether you’re parenting toddlers, guiding teens, caring for aging parents, or just trying to show up for friends and loved ones, there are days when you feel stretched thin. The demands don’t stop, your patience wears out, and you wonder if you have anything left to give.
The good news? God’s love isn’t just for your quiet moments—it’s your source of strength, patience, and grace when you feel you have nothing left. The CHEW on This™ framework helps you receive from God so you can give to others, even on your hardest days.
How to CHEW for Strength to Love Others
1. Confess—Admit Where You’re Running on Empty
- “God, I’m exhausted and don’t feel like I have anything left to give.”
- “I’m impatient, frustrated, or discouraged in my relationships.”
- Brief Prayer: “Lord, meet me in my weakness and fill me with Your love.”
2. Hear—Let God’s Word Remind You of His Love and Power
- “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
- “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me.” (Psalm 28:7)
- Brief Prayer: “Holy Spirit, remind me that Your love and strength are enough for me and for those I love.”
3. Exchange—Chew on a Love-Filled Question
- “If I really believed God’s love is pouring into me right now, how would that change the way I respond to my child, spouse, or friend?”
- “If I really believed God’s grace is enough for my weakness, how would that change my attitude today?”
- “If I really believed God is patient with me, how would that change my patience with others?”
- Brief Prayer: “Jesus, help me receive Your love so I can love others from a place of fullness, not emptiness.”
4. Walk—Let God’s Love Overflow to Others
- Pause before a tough moment and pray your chew question.
- Take a deep breath and ask God for patience and gentleness before responding.
- Share your struggle with a trusted friend or fellow parent and pray for each other.
- Thank God for one way you were able to love well today, even if it was small.
- Brief Prayer: “Father, help me love others as You have loved me, especially when I feel overwhelmed.”
Mini Story
“One evening, after a long day of work and parenting, I was at the end of my rope. My child was melting down, and I felt myself about to snap. I paused, chewed on the truth that God’s love is patient and present, and prayed, ‘If I really believed You’re with me, how would that change my response?’ I found the strength to speak gently, and the moment shifted. God’s love filled the gap where mine ran out.”
One-Day Focus: Loving Well When You’re Overwhelmed (Day 6 of the 7-Day CHEW Challenge)
Today, focus your CHEW practice on receiving God’s love so you can love others well—even when you feel empty or overwhelmed.
Pause at least three times—before a challenging interaction, after a tough moment, or when you’re tempted to withdraw.
Write down or share one way God’s love helped you love someone today.
Invite a friend or family member to join you, and encourage each other to chew for strength and patience throughout the day.
Ready for more?
Continue your CHEW journey with the next blog in the series: “Purpose and Calling—Chewing on God’s Vision for Your Life.”
Discover how God’s love can clarify your purpose and empower you to live out your unique calling. To see the previous post in our series, see here.
Transparency Note: This series is crafted in collaboration with advanced AI tools and thoughtfully finalized by the 1st Principle Group staff to ensure biblical faithfulness and practical relevance for our readers.
