The Bible has a lot to say about health, covering topics like diet, exercise, rest, mental health, healing, and more. Here’s an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding health and wellness:
Caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit
Our bodies are not just physical vessels, but are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As such, we have a responsibility to care for our bodies and honor God with them. This includes making wise choices when it comes to what we eat, how we exercise, getting proper rest, avoiding unhealthy habits, etc.
Moderation and self-control
The Bible promotes moderation and self-control in all things. We are urged not to indulge in gluttony or drunkenness, but to practice temperance (Proverbs 23:20-21, Philippians 4:5). Overindulgence is harmful to the body. Self-control is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23).
Honoring God with our bodies
Our bodies are not our own, but have been bought with a price by Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:20). Therefore, we are called to honor God with our bodies. This includes making choices that glorify God by keeping our bodies healthy, pure, and sanctified for His service (1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Corinthians 6:12).
Avoiding gluttony and greed
Gluttony is strongly warned against in Scripture. We are not to eat or drink to excess (Deuteronomy 21:20, Proverbs 23:2). Gluttony is associated with greed, laziness, and lust. It is detrimental to both physical and spiritual health. Moderation and self-control should be practiced.
Living by God’s wisdom, not our own
When it comes to health, we need God’s wisdom – not just our own wisdom or what culture promotes (Proverbs 3:5-8). God’s ways often go against the grain of worldly thinking. We must look to Him for discernment in caring for our bodies.
Getting proper rest
Adequate rest is important. Jesus himself would often withdraw to desolate places for solitude and restoration (Luke 5:16). We are urged not to deprive ourselves of proper sleep (Psalm 127:2). Resting one day a week is also commanded as a Sabbath principle (Exodus 20:8-11).
Peace and contentment
Inner peace, joy, and contentment in Christ positively impact our health (John 14:27, Philippians 4:6-7). Stress, anxiety, fear, and anger have damaging physical consequences. Putting our trust in God brings peace.
Healing through prayer and faith
The Bible encourages praying for healing, whether physical or emotional (James 5:14-15). God still works miracles. With faith in Christ, we can call on God’s supernatural healing power. Jesus healed multitudes of every disease during His earthly ministry.
Caring for others
Scripture calls us to care for the sick, feed the hungry, give generously to those in need (Matthew 25:34-40). By caring for others, we honor Christ. Our spiritual health is tied to how we treat and serve others.
Warning against drunkenness
The Bible repeatedly warns against drunkenness, which impairs judgment, inflames passions, and damages health (Proverbs 23:29-35, Ephesians 5:18). Alcoholism destroys lives. Moderation and sobriety are to be practiced.
Striving for purity
Sexual purity and avoiding sexual immorality are emphasized for holistic health (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Wholesome sexuality within marriage is promoted. Pornography, lust, and sexual temptation should be avoided.
Managing stress and anxiety
Jesus taught us not to worry but to trust God with our needs (Matthew 6:25-34). Learning to manage stress and cast our cares on the Lord is important (Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7). Anxiety weighs us down. God’s peace lifts us up.
Being thankful
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is healthy for us. In everything we are to give thanks to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thankfulness focuses us on God’s blessings rather than life’s difficulties. It gives us joyful perspective.
Hope and purpose
Having hope and purpose through faith in Christ promotes health. Without hope, people perish (Proverbs 13:12). Knowing Christ gives our lives meaning. This hope sustains us in trials (Romans 5:1-5).
Serving God over money
Loving money and possessions can lead to anxiety and emptiness. We cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Putting God first frees us from greed and materialism that can drive poor health decisions.
A merry heart
Laughter and cheerful hearts promote our well-being. A merry heart does good like medicine (Proverbs 17:22). Maintaining joy and humor, even in trials, provides strength.
Confessing sins
Confessing sins to God relieves guilt and promotes cleansing in our lives (1 John 1:9). Unconfessed sin weighs heavy on our hearts. Repentance and forgiveness lift burdens and refresh us.
Renewing our minds
How we think impacts our health. We are to renew our minds with God’s truth (Romans 12:2). Replacing negative thoughts with Scripture promotes inner wellness. Our thought life affects our bodies.
Walking in godliness
Overall, pursuing godliness and living according to biblical principles promotes health and well-being. As we walk with God in obedience, He blesses and cares for us body, mind, and spirit.
In summary, the Bible provides much wisdom and insight when it comes to living a healthy, balanced life. Caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, practicing moderation, pursuing purity, resting properly, relieving stress, thinking right thoughts, and walking in godliness all contribute to holistic wellness according to Scripture. God desires for us to prosper in health as we seek to honor and glorify Him.
