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Biblical Principles for Nourishing the Body and Soul

Biblical Principles for Nourishing the Body and Soul
Photo Courtesy: www.godsgoodtable.com

By: Publicity For Good

The Bible teaches us that the body is a temple and that nurturing it is an integral part of Christian life. This makes perfect sense, as our body is the means through which we act upon the world, the instrument of the soul for showing our love, providing service, and worship. The scriptures offer us some profound insights into the connection between the daily habits of our body and spirit, and how we can utilize the food God has given us to help us to be more fruitful, while growing closer to God. So, in this article we’ll be going through some of the directives that the word of God gives us on how to nurture our bodies that they may glorify the one who created them.

Honor the Body as a Temple

One of the most important biblical teachings about health is found in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 which states that our body is a temple for the Holy Spirit. This means that not only should our body be a tool for good, to be preserved through mindful choices, but it is holy. Therefore, nurturing our body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods is not just a good idea for your health, but when taking this spiritual dimension into account, it becomes a way of  thanking God for the gift of life.

The Role of Whole Foods in God’s Design

Genesis 1:29 states, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” Later, in Genesis 9:3-4, God instructs Noah to consume meat, but only from “clean” animals. (Much later, in the example of Peter and the sheet in Acts 10:9-16, many would argue for the inclusion of pork and seafood as well). After this, we see in festivals, feasts, and many examples of meals, that God’s people routinely enjoyed all food groups including grains, vegetables and herbs, dairy products, meats, fish, fruit and honey. Not only does this show the depth of God’s care for us, having gifted humanity with a world that supplies for our every need, but it also points to the fact that this vast bounty is delivered to us through nature, without need for deconstruction or (ultra) processing.

These foods, created by God, align with His plan for humanity to flourish, and provide the foundation for a balanced, healthful diet.

Practicing Moderation and Self-Control

In Proverbs 25:27, King Solomon warns us that “It is not good to eat much honey,” which is the sweetest food available in nature. Today, not only does honey have many competitors in the sweets department, but a lot of the food in our markets is designed to encourage us to indulge as often as possible. Now, more than ever, it has become necessary for us to exercise the virtue of temperance, the ability to show restraint, not only in feelings and actions but also in our habits. Opting for a healthy diet that focuses on the body’s needs instead of just what feels good (even if those two things often overlap) is a great way to practice this virtue.

The Joy of Sharing Meals in Community

Throughout the Bible, food is often associated with fellowship and community. Acts 2:46, for example, paints a picture of early Christians breaking bread together with what the Apostle Paul describes as “glad and sincere hearts”. Compare this scene with what most meals are like today, where each member of the family grabs their plate and goes off to their corners to eat alone; even if together, it is typically under the collective hypnosis of a screen. Too often we waste the opportunity of making meals an occasion where we nourish our relationships as well as our bodies, and when we rediscover this moment, we rekindle a very biblical form of happiness.

Food as a Reflection of Gratitude

It would be remiss of us to talk about biblical teachings on food without mentioning the need to give thanks to God. After all, without God, what would we reap or sow? Whether through a simple prayer before a meal or by expressing gratitude for the farmers and hands that brought the food to our table, let’s consider 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where we are reminded to “give thanks in all circumstances.” No matter how simple or luxurious it may be, God always provides for our well being. This gratitude transforms the act of eating into a spiritual experience, and reminds us that we must always rely on our father for everything.

If you’d like more insights into Christian health and wellness, as well as how our relationship with God can change the way we look at food and our own bodies, feel free to visit https://www.godsgoodtable.com/.

*Still later, in the example of Peter and the sheet in Acts 10:9-16, many would argue for the inclusion of pork and seafood as well.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects biblical principles on nourishing the body and soul. The content is not intended as medical, nutritional, or health advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or health routine. The views expressed here are based on spiritual insights and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical guidance.

Published by Anne C.

Black News Today​ | BLK News

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