Care for Your Body
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The concept of caring for one's body is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining physical health as a form of honoring God. The Bible presents the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, underscoring the sacredness and responsibility of stewardship over one's physical being.

Biblical Foundation

1. The Body as a Temple: In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 glorify God with your body." This passage highlights the divine indwelling within believers, calling for respect and care for the body as a vessel of God's presence.

2. Stewardship and Responsibility: The Bible encourages believers to be good stewards of all that God has entrusted to them, including their physical bodies. In Genesis 1:26-28, humanity is given dominion over creation, which extends to self-care and responsible living. This stewardship principle implies a duty to maintain health and well-being.

3. Moderation and Self-Control: Proverbs 25:16 advises, "If you find honey, eat just enough—lest you have too much and vomit it." This proverb illustrates the importance of moderation and self-control in consumption, which is essential for maintaining health. Similarly, Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, reinforcing the need for discipline in caring for one's body.

4. Rest and Renewal: The Bible acknowledges the necessity of rest for physical and spiritual renewal. In Exodus 20:8-10, the commandment to observe the Sabbath underscores the importance of rest. Jesus Himself exemplified this principle, as seen in Mark 6:31 , where He tells His disciples, "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while."

5. Diet and Nutrition: Scripture provides guidance on dietary practices that promote health. In Leviticus 11, God gives the Israelites dietary laws that, while specific to the Old Covenant, reflect a concern for health and well-being. In the New Testament, 1 Timothy 4:4-5 states, "For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer," encouraging gratitude and discernment in dietary choices.

6. Exercise and Physical Activity: While the Bible does not explicitly command exercise, it acknowledges the value of physical training. 1 Timothy 4:8 notes, "For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come." This suggests a balanced approach, recognizing the benefits of physical activity while prioritizing spiritual growth.

Practical Implications

Caring for the body involves a holistic approach that includes proper nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate rest, and moderation in all things. Believers are encouraged to view their bodies as gifts from God, deserving of care and respect. This perspective fosters a lifestyle that honors God through the responsible stewardship of one's physical health, aligning with the biblical mandate to glorify God in all aspects of life.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 139:14
I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are your works; and that my soul knows right well.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Anxious Care
... Anxious care is foolish; for far beyond the region within which your anxieties move ...
Is not the body more than raiment?' You must trust Him for these; you ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/anxious care.htm

The Twenty-Third Chapter: Thoughts on Death
... If you do not care for your own welfare now, who will care when you ... Chastise your
body in penance now, that then you may have the confidence born of certainty. ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twenty-third chapter thoughts on.htm

"For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die, but if Ye through ...
... but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall ... conceive
there is some greater obligation lying on you, to care for your bodies and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxxiv for if ye.htm

God's Care for those who Try to do Right
... THE SAYINGS OF THE WISE GOD'S CARE FOR THOSE WHO TRY TO DO RIGHT. ... Then you
will have health of body And your bones will be refreshed. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/gods care for those who.htm

The Way of Transgressors.
... Not dangerous, madam, but still in a condition requiring care and skill ... Then do your
best for ... felt also in every member, prostrating the whole body, and giving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the way of transgressors.htm

The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ...
... to come and the true offering of Your Body which was ... do I not long more ardently
for Your adorable presence ... do I not prepare myself with greater care to receive ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the first chapter the great.htm

Human Life a Dream
... What profit have you reaped of all your labour and care? Does your money
follow you? ... Your body is clothed with dust and rottenness. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 121 human life a.htm

The Sacrament of the Altar
... I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. ... Protect me, by Your
grace, tonight. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. ...
/.../luther/the small catechism of martin luther/vi the sacrament of the.htm

Concerning Paradise.
... the Creator, and to delight in contemplation of Him and to cast all our care on
Him. ... Take no thought for your life what ye shall eat, nor for your body what ye ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xi concerning paradise.htm

The Twelfth Chapter: the Communicant Should Prepare Himself for ...
... Receive the Body of the Lord, your beloved God Who deigns to come to you, not ... Do
not neglect this grace, but prepare your heart with all care, and bring ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twelfth chapter the communicant.htm

Resources
Does God care about the little things that happen in our lives? | GotQuestions.org

Is it wrong for a Christian family to use hospice? | GotQuestions.org

Why does God not seem to care about the millions of starving children in the world? | GotQuestions.org

Care: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Care

Care for Your Body

Care of Animals

Care: Certain Persons Who Desired to Follow Jesus

Care: Martha

Care: Remedy For

Care: Worldly

Overmuch Care: About Earthly Things, Forbidden

Overmuch Care: An Obstruction to the Gospel

Overmuch Care: Be Without

Overmuch Care: God's Promises should Keep Us From

Overmuch Care: God's Providential Goodness should Keep Us From

Overmuch Care: Martha

Overmuch Care: Persons Who offered to Follow Christ

Overmuch Care: Sent As a Punishment to the Wicked

Overmuch Care: should be Cast on God

Overmuch Care: Trust in God should Free Us From

Overmuch Care: Unbecoming in Saints

Overmuch Care: Uselessness of

Overmuch Care: Vanity of

Overmuch Care: Warning Against

Related Terms

Carefulness (6 Occurrences)

Careless (10 Occurrences)

Cared (25 Occurrences)

Keep (4573 Occurrences)

Tricked (25 Occurrences)

Cure (28 Occurrences)

Carefully (76 Occurrences)

Charge (379 Occurrences)

Vines (39 Occurrences)

Anxious (40 Occurrences)

Diligent (33 Occurrences)

Worry (14 Occurrences)

Tender (66 Occurrences)

Beware (51 Occurrences)

Bosom (47 Occurrences)

Cultivate (11 Occurrences)

Choice (113 Occurrences)

Attend (71 Occurrences)

Concern (35 Occurrences)

Shepherd (76 Occurrences)

Repentance (28 Occurrences)

Careful (130 Occurrences)

Concerned (45 Occurrences)

Property (212 Occurrences)

Earnest (33 Occurrences)

Connection (72 Occurrences)

Responsible (242 Occurrences)

Caring (23 Occurrences)

Teaching (372 Occurrences)

Decisions (133 Occurrences)

Eye (145 Occurrences)

Teach (172 Occurrences)

Inn (7 Occurrences)

Puts (197 Occurrences)

Forced (84 Occurrences)

Searching (111 Occurrences)

Ease (46 Occurrences)

Visitation (17 Occurrences)

Vigilance (1 Occurrence)

Keeping (282 Occurrences)

Girls (27 Occurrences)

Weighted (15 Occurrences)

Welfare (32 Occurrences)

Wean

Investigate (11 Occurrences)

Forget (77 Occurrences)

Fowl (73 Occurrences)

Forgetful (4 Occurrences)

Tutor (2 Occurrences)

Tent (333 Occurrences)

Respect (204 Occurrences)

Easy (14 Occurrences)

Diligence (31 Occurrences)

Meditation (15 Occurrences)

Misleads (8 Occurrences)

Manage (6 Occurrences)

Mislead (13 Occurrences)

Mothers (27 Occurrences)

Pastoral

Presbytery (1 Occurrence)

Protects (7 Occurrences)

Prison-house (29 Occurrences)

Beard (23 Occurrences)

Body-covers (25 Occurrences)

Bedroom (8 Occurrences)

Commend (22 Occurrences)

Clothing (288 Occurrences)

Cherish (20 Occurrences)

Attendance (12 Occurrences)

Accurate (7 Occurrences)

Safe (388 Occurrences)

Succor (8 Occurrences)

Stores (53 Occurrences)

Succour (6 Occurrences)

Disease (213 Occurrences)

Perishing (24 Occurrences)

Force (250 Occurrences)

Weight (143 Occurrences)

Placing (44 Occurrences)

Care for Widows
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