Taking care of our physical health is important, but what does the Bible say about exercising? Today, we’ll explore how caring for our bodies connects to honoring God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Excommunication
What Does The Bible Say About Exercising
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.”
This verse reminds us that while physical exercise has its benefits, it is ultimately godliness that holds the greatest value. While taking care of our bodies is important, we must also prioritize our spiritual well-being.
Physical training may improve our physical health and appearance, but it is our relationship with God that will bring fulfillment in this life and the life to come.
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 emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control when it comes to our bodies. As followers of Christ, we must be diligent in keeping our bodies and actions in check, living as an example to others.
By exercising discipline, we can avoid being disqualified from our faith and the work we do for God’s kingdom.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”
This verse highlights the importance of having a support system in our endeavors, including exercise. Working out with a partner can provide motivation, encouragement, and accountability.
When one falters or struggles, the other can be there to offer support and help them get back on track.
Proverbs 24:5
“A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.”
Wisdom and knowledge contribute to our overall strength, both physically and mentally. Understanding proper techniques, nutrition, and the benefits of exercise can help us optimize our physical abilities.
By seeking knowledge and applying it, we can become wiser and stronger individuals.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are not our own. As believers, we have been purchased by the blood of Jesus and our bodies are now temples of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, we should honor God by taking care of our bodies and using them to bring glory to His name.
Proverbs 16:31
“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
This verse suggests that aging gracefully is a mark of a righteous life. While exercise may not prevent gray hair, it can contribute to overall health and well-being as we age.
By taking care of our bodies through exercise, we can maintain strength and vitality, reflecting the glory of a life well-lived.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This verse reminds us that with God’s strength, we can accomplish anything. When it comes to exercising, it may be challenging at times, but we can find confidence in knowing that God empowers us to overcome obstacles and push through our limitations.
Through God’s strength, we can achieve our fitness goals and glorify Him in the process.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Exercise is not just about physical activity but also involves taking care of our bodies through proper nutrition and hydration. This verse reminds us that even in our eating and drinking habits, we should strive to bring glory to God.
By fueling our bodies with healthy choices, we can honor God and maintain the energy and strength needed for exercise.
Proverbs 25:28
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
Self-control is vital when it comes to exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This verse compares someone lacking self-control to a city without protective walls, vulnerable to destruction.
By exercising self-control, we can resist unhealthy temptations and build a strong foundation for our physical well-being.
2 Timothy 2:5
“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to live according to God’s standards and principles. Just as athletes must compete within the parameters of their sport to receive a crown, we must live in alignment with God’s commands to be rewarded by Him.
When it comes to exercise, this verse reminds us to approach it with integrity, following the principles of good sportsmanship and fair play.
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.”
Waiting on the Lord and seeking His guidance renews our strength. This verse paints a picture of soaring with eagles, running without weariness, and walking without fainting.
Through our faith in God, we can find the endurance and resilience needed for exercise, pushing our limits without growing weary or giving up.
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.”
This verse encourages us to remain steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to the Lord’s work. Our labor, including physical exercise, is never in vain when done with the purpose of glorifying God.
By maintaining a consistent exercise routine and offering our efforts to the Lord, we can trust that He will bless our efforts and use them for His purposes.
Psalm 34:8
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
This verse invites us to experience God’s goodness firsthand. When it comes to exercise, we can find refuge and strength in the Lord, knowing that He is the source of our well-being.
By seeking His presence and relying on His strength, we can approach exercise with a grateful and joyful attitude.
Romans 12:1-2
“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Our bodies are to be presented as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to God. This verse calls us to resist worldly patterns and be transformed in our thinking, aligning our minds with God’s will.
In the context of exercise, offering our bodies as sacrifices means using them for God’s purposes, maintaining physical health, and pursuing activities that align with His values.
Proverbs 14:23
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Hard work brings reward and profit. This verse encourages us to avoid being idle or merely talking about our intentions without taking action.
When it comes to exercise, we need to put in the effort and discipline to see the desired results. Consistency and hard work lead to physical and mental rewards.
1 Corinthians 15:10
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.”
God’s grace empowers us, but it does not excuse us from putting in the work. This verse speaks to the balance of relying on God’s grace while also putting forth our best effort.
When it comes to exercise, we can seek God’s strength to push through challenges and work diligently, realizing that our abilities come from Him.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
This verse encourages us to approach all our endeavors, including exercise, with wholeheartedness and dedication, recognizing that we are ultimately serving the Lord.
By giving our best effort in all that we do, we honor God and find fulfillment in the knowledge that our labor is ultimately for His glory.
Proverbs 3:7-8
“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.”
This verse highlights the importance of humility and reverence towards God. By recognizing our dependence on Him rather than relying on our own wisdom, we invite His healing and refreshment into our lives.
When it comes to exercise, maintaining a humble attitude and seeking God’s guidance can lead to physical healing and rejuvenation.
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.”
The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control. This verse reminds us that as believers, we have been given the Holy Spirit who equips us with self-control to resist temptations and make healthy choices.
By relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can exercise self-control in all areas of our lives, including our physical well-being.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
This verse celebrates the intricate design of our bodies, acknowledging that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Our bodies are a testament to His marvelous creation.
When it comes to exercise, we can approach it with gratitude and awe, recognizing that we have been entrusted with a remarkable vessel for His glory.
2 Peter 1:5-7
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.”
This verse encourages us to cultivate various qualities in our lives, including self-control, knowledge, and godliness. These attributes are not attained effortlessly but require intentional effort on our part.
When it comes to exercise, we can apply the same principles by intentionally cultivating self-control, acquiring knowledge about fitness and nutrition, and viewing our physical well-being as an avenue to glorify God.
Proverbs 17:22
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Having a joyful heart contributes to our overall well-being. This verse suggests that a positive attitude and outlook can have a tangible impact on our physical health.
When we approach exercise with joy and gratitude, it can provide not only physical benefits but also a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
1 Samuel 2:30
“Therefore the Lord, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and the house of your father should go in and out before me forever,’ but now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me, for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
God promises to honor those who honor Him. By prioritizing our physical well-being and taking care of our bodies, we demonstrate our honor and gratitude for the gift of life.
When we approach exercise as an act of worship and stewardship of our bodies, God’s promised blessings and favor can be evident in our lives.
Romans 8:5
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”
Our mindset plays a significant role in our actions and lifestyle choices. This verse urges us to set our minds on spiritual things rather than being solely focused on worldly desires.
When it comes to exercise, we can align our mindset with the principles of honoring God, stewarding our bodies, and seeking to live a life that reflects His glory.
Proverbs 31:17
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.”
This verse portrays a woman who takes care of her physical strength. While it may specifically refer to a woman’s physical capabilities, it reminds us of the importance of developing our physical strength, regardless of gender.
By prioritizing exercise and fitness, we can dress ourselves with strength, achieving physical wellness and resilience.