How do you feel about your body today? That’s an uncomfortable question, I know.
As Christians, why do we struggle so much with the bodies we are living in? This struggle is not what God intended for us, and it does not have to be your story.
Caring for the Body
At Mercy, we believe in addressing the whole person – spirit, soul, and body. This is an important part of our Residential Programs, as we know that often times healing and transformation are interconnected between our spirits, our souls, and our bodies. The three of those things are what make us whole, and when one is out of balance, it can throw off the others too.
March is both National Nutrition Month and Self-Harm Awareness Month, and both of these topics speak to the value of cultivating a deep care and respect for your body. The question behind it all is, why should we care so much about our bodies?
God’s View of the Body
At the beginning of all things, God carefully created us with a human body. Once humans were created, God declared it all very good (Genesis 1:31). Why then, do we think that our bodies are strange, shameful, or sinful? God created you with purpose and intention. Your body is the physical expression of who you are. If you shame or speak poorly to your body, your mental health will suffer. Be kind to your body!
“Don’t you realize that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
The Christian belief in the incarnation means that we believe that Jesus lived and walked on the earth in a physical body – eating, drinking, laughing, crying, and dying for us. We also believe that Jesus was resurrected in His body and that each of us will experience a resurrection of our glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:49). God loves our bodies, and you should love and respect your body too.
Embodied Living
How do we even start to do this? One practice that highlights your embodied nature is the practice of taking a mindful walk. Walking in peace is a great chance to spend time with the Lord. This week, try to go on a walk and be intentionally mindful of each step your body takes, the feeling of the ground under your feet, the feeling of your arms swinging, and everything you can see, hear, and smell. Noticing these things and thanking God for each of them will draw you closer to harmony with your body and respect for all that it can do.
Showing love and care for our bodies is a lifelong journey. This Godly appreciation is important to your mental health and in line with God’s heart for you. Take time today to talk to God about how you’re feeling and do something kind for your body!
Mercy Multiplied exists to provide opportunities for all to experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and life-transforming power. We offer multiple programs and resources online and onsite designed to equip people to live free and stay free in Christ. For more information about the services we offer, click here.
Want more resources? Check out our MercyTalk podcast episode, “Self-Injury Awareness Day”. For daily inspiration, follow us @MercyMultiplied on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
