Taking care of our bodies is an act of stewardship, as they are a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Bible encourages us to honor God with our health and physical well-being. Today, we’ll uncover how Scripture inspires us to live a balanced and healthy life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Equally Yoked
What Does The Bible Say About Being Fit
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are not our own, but rather temples of the Holy Spirit. Taking care of our bodies and being physically fit is a way to honor God.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
While physical training has some value, the importance of godliness is emphasized as it holds promise for both our present life and the afterlife.
Proverbs 24:5
“A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.”
Being physically fit and strong is associated with wisdom, and knowledge enhances our abilities.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Offering our bodies as living sacrifices to God is an act of worship, and taking care of our bodies is a way to honor Him.
1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
Paul’s example of disciplining his body reminds us to stay in control and not let physical weaknesses hinder our spiritual growth.
Proverbs 31:17
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.”
A woman who takes care of her physical health and strength is praised in this verse, highlighting the value of being physically fit.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'”
While physical appearances are not the primary focus for God, it is still important to take care of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
Avoiding indulgence and gluttony leads to better health and prosperity, both physically and spiritually.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
We should appreciate and take care of our bodies since we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
1 Samuel 17:49
“And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.”
David’s physical prowess and skill in battle showcase the importance of being physically fit and capable.
Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
This verse encourages us to give our best effort in all that we do, including taking care of our bodies and being physically fit.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Since we are created in God’s image, it is important to take care of our bodies, which are a reflection of His creation.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Our physical activities and efforts should be done with a wholehearted and dedicated mindset, recognizing that we are serving the Lord.
Matthew 4:4
“But he answered, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”
While physical sustenance is necessary, our spiritual nourishment through God’s Word is equally important for a fulfilling and balanced life.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
Being physically fit enables us to be steadfast and abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our efforts are not in vain.
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
Just as Jesus grew in both wisdom and stature, our physical growth and development are essential aspects of a balanced and holistic life.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Our choices regarding food and drink should be made with the intention to honor God and maintain our physical well-being.
Proverbs 14:30
“A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.”
Mental and emotional well-being are closely connected to our physical health, emphasizing the importance of holistic self-care.
1 Timothy 5:23
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
Paul advises Timothy to use wine moderately for health purposes, demonstrating the significance of maintaining physical well-being.
Daniel 1:15
“At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king’s food.”
By choosing a healthier diet, Daniel and his friends demonstrated the benefits of taking care of their physical bodies.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
With God’s strength, we can overcome physical challenges, push our limits, and excel in taking care of our bodies.
Mark 12:30
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Taking care of our physical bodies is one way to show our love for God, alongside our hearts, souls, and minds.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
In cultivating the fruit of the Spirit, self-control is an essential aspect, including self-control in maintaining physical health and fitness.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”
Physical fitness includes being disciplined in our rest habits, ensuring we are alert and focused on our spiritual journey.
Isaiah 40:31
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Spiritual strength and physical strength go hand in hand, as those who wait for the Lord find renewed energy and endurance.