Health and wellness are important parts of life.
People spend time and effort making sure their bodies stay strong, their minds stay sharp, and their spirits stay at peace.
But what does the Bible say about taking care of ourselves?
Does God care about our physical health, or is He only concerned with our souls?
The Bible actually has a lot to say about health and wellness.
It teaches that our bodies are gifts from God, and we are responsible for taking care of them.
It also reminds us that true wellness is not just about physical strength—it is about having a heart and mind that are at peace with God.
Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about health, wellness, and how to live a balanced, God-honoring life.
Our Bodies Are God’s Temple
One of the most well-known verses about health is 1 Corinthians 6:19-20:
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse teaches that our bodies are not just ours to do with as we please.
They belong to God, and He expects us to take care of them.
Just as people take care of churches because they are places of worship, we should take care of our bodies because they are where the Holy Spirit dwells.
This means making choices that promote health, such as eating well, exercising, resting, and avoiding things that harm our bodies.
The Importance of Rest
In today’s busy world, rest is often seen as a luxury.
But in the Bible, rest is a command.
Exodus 20:8-10 says, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.”
God Himself rested on the seventh day of creation, not because He was tired, but to set an example for us.
Rest is not laziness—it is necessary for our health and well-being.
Without rest, we become exhausted, stressed, and unable to function properly.
Taking time to rest allows us to recharge, focus on God, and take care of our bodies and minds.
The Power of a Healthy Diet
Food is a gift from God, and the Bible provides guidance on what we should eat.
Genesis 1:29 says, “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'”
This verse shows that from the very beginning, God designed food to nourish our bodies.
The Bible also warns against overindulgence.
Proverbs 25:16 says, “If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”
This teaches moderation.
Eating healthy foods in the right amounts helps us maintain strength and energy.
Overeating, on the other hand, can lead to health problems and a lack of self-control.
The Bible promotes balance—enjoying food without letting it become an idol.
Exercise and Strength
Physical strength is often mentioned in the Bible as a blessing.
Proverbs 31:17 describes a virtuous woman, saying, “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
Strength allows us to work, serve, and care for others.
While the Bible does not specifically mention modern exercise routines, it does encourage physical activity.
Jesus and His disciples walked long distances as part of their ministry.
People in biblical times worked hard in fields, fishing boats, and other labor-intensive jobs.
First Timothy 4:8 reminds us, “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 acknowledges that exercise is beneficial but also reminds us that spiritual health is even more important.
Trusting God for Healing
The Bible teaches that God is our healer.
Exodus 15:26 says, “I am the Lord, who heals you.”
Throughout Scripture, we see examples of God healing people from sickness and disease.
Jesus performed many miracles, restoring sight to the blind, making the lame walk, and even raising the dead.
While God has the power to heal supernaturally, He also provides natural ways for our bodies to heal.
Proper nutrition, rest, and medical care are all ways that God allows healing to take place.
James 5:14-15 encourages believers to pray for healing: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
God cares about our health, and we should seek Him when we need healing, whether through prayer, medicine, or lifestyle changes.
Mental and Emotional Wellness
Health is not just about the body—it is also about the mind and heart.
The Bible speaks about peace, joy, and the importance of guarding our thoughts.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Anxiety, stress, and worry can take a toll on health.
God calls us to bring our concerns to Him and trust in His peace.
Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Emotional wounds can be just as painful as physical ones, but God promises healing and comfort.
Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with supportive people can help us maintain emotional and mental wellness.
The Danger of Addictions
Addictions, whether to food, alcohol, drugs, or harmful habits, can destroy health.
The Bible warns against anything that takes control over our lives.
First Corinthians 6:12 says, “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
Addictions can take over a person’s life, leading to destruction.
Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
God calls us to live with self-control and avoid anything that leads us away from Him.
Seeking help, through prayer, counseling, or support groups, is an important step toward freedom.
Serving Others Through Health
Taking care of our health is not just about us—it also helps us serve others.
When we are strong, we can help those in need, care for our families, and do the work God has called us to do.
Isaiah 58:10-11 says, “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.”
God blesses those who care for others, and part of being able to do that is maintaining our own health.
Balancing Physical and Spiritual Health
While physical health is important, the Bible teaches that spiritual health is even greater.
Matthew 16:26 says, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
A strong body without a strong relationship with God is empty.
We should strive for balance—taking care of our physical needs while making sure our spiritual life remains the priority.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that health and wellness are important, but they are not just about physical strength.
God cares about the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Taking care of our health allows us to live better, serve others, and glorify God.
By eating well, resting, exercising, seeking healing, and keeping our minds at peace, we honor the gift of life that God has given us.
True wellness comes from living in harmony with God’s wisdom, trusting Him, and making choices that reflect His goodness.
May we all strive to care for our health in a way that brings honor to Him.