What Does The Bible Say About Exercise And Diet – A Healthy Christian Guide

I still remember my grandma saying ‘your body’s a temple’ – never really thought about what that actually means, though. The Bible, I mean, it’s not exactly the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fitness and diets, right? So, I started digging into scripture, trying to figure out if there’s any connection between taking care of our bodies and, you know, our spiritual health.

Top 5 Bible Verses About What Does The Bible Say About Exercise And Diet

I came across these passages and, honestly, they kinda blew my mind – made me think about the whole thing in a different way. Here’s a snapshot that, for me, sums up what I took from ’em – hopefully, it does the same for you:

Picture by BibleBreathe.com about What Does The Bible Say About Exercise And Diet

My Take on Biblical Principles for Physical Health

I’ve been thinkin’ a lot about gettin’ healthier, and it hit me – the Bible’s got a lot to say about takin’ care of our bodies.

This Body of Mine is a Temple

I mean, check out what the Bible says,

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, KJV).

Every time I read that, it’s like a punch to the gut. My body’s not mine, it’s God’s temple, and I gotta take care of it for His sake, not just mine.

How Physical Health Affects My Spiritual Life

I’ve noticed when I’m feelin’ good physically, I’m way more energized and focused on growin’ spiritually. The Bible says,

“For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:22, KJV).

And then there’s this other verse,

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2, KJV).

It’s pretty clear that takin’ care of my body’s connected to my spiritual growth. When I’m healthy, I’m more equipped to pursue God.

The Importance of Self-Control

Let’s be real, stayin’ healthy takes discipline and self-control. The Bible says,

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24, KJV).

And then there’s this other verse that really gets me,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV).

Self-control’s a fruit of the Spirit, and it’s essential for stayin’ healthy. By exercisin’ self-control, I can make choices that honor God and take care of this body of mine.

Exercise and Physical Activity in the Bible

The Value of Physical Labor and Hard Work

To be honest with you, I’ve always had a thing for the gym – there’s just something about pushing myself to be better that gets me going. But, I mean, have you ever taken a step back and thought about what the Bible’s take is on exercise and physical activity? We all know our bodies are temples and whatnot, but what’s God’s actual stance on our fitness routines?

The Bible says,

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” (Proverbs 14:23, KJV).

I reckon what this verse is trying to say is that hard work and physical labor are pretty valuable – they’re not just about getting by, they’re about making a profit, you know? And that’s made me realize that exercising my body isn’t just about aesthetics or feeling good, it’s about being a decent steward of the body God’s given me.

I was reading through some of the apostle Paul’s stuff the other day, and he’s pretty clear about the importance of hard work and physical labor. He wrote this to the Thessalonians,

“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10, KJV).

The Importance of Rest and Recovery

Now, I know what you’re thinking – exercise and physical activity are all about pushing ourselves to be better, right? But, I mean, they’re also about rest and recovery, you know? Think about it, when God created the world, he didn’t just keep going and going without stopping – he took a break, had a rest.

The Bible says,

“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” (Genesis 2:2, KJV).

And it’s not just God who rested, he also told us to do the same – remember the Sabbath?

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8, KJV).

I’ve come to realize that rest and recovery are just as important as exercise and physical activity – our bodies need time to heal, repair themselves, and our minds need time to rest, recharge.

Examples of Physical Activity in the Bible

So, what does physical activity look like in the Bible, then? Well, for starters, it’s not just about hitting the gym. I was reading through some of Paul’s stuff, and he wrote this to Timothy,

“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8, KJV).

I think what Paul’s trying to say here is that physical activity is about training our bodies for godliness – not just physical health. It’s about running the race of faith with endurance, perseverance.

The author of Hebrews wrote this,

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1, KJV).

For me, exercise and physical activity are about more than just physical health – they’re about spiritual health, too. They’re about training our bodies, minds to follow God with endurance, perseverance.

Figuring Out What the Bible Says About Healthy Eating

Photo modified by BibleBreathe.com. Original photo by Kiwihug on Unsplash

Why Eating is About More Than Just Food

I was thinking, what’s the Bible’s take on exercise and diet, right? And it hit me – eating isn’t just about filling my belly, it’s about showing respect to God. There’s this verse that says,

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV).

For me, that’s a reminder that pretty much everything I do, including what I eat, should reflect how I feel about God. When I’m chowing down, I’m not just giving my body what it needs, I’m also making a statement about what’s important to me.

Don’t Overdo It – Moderation is Key

So, what does it mean to eat for God’s glory, exactly? To me, it means not overdoing it – you know, moderation in all things, including food and drink. The Bible’s got some warnings about excess, like,

“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (Proverbs 23:20-21, KJV).

And then there’s that other verse in 1 Timothy 3:3 that says leaders shouldn’t be all about the wine and greed and stuff. Moderation’s the way to go if you wanna keep things balanced in life, and that definitely applies to what we eat and drink.

Whole Foods are the Way to Go

So, what kind of grub should we be eating to make God happy? The Bible’s got some ideas on that too. Like in Genesis 1:29, God’s all,

“Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat” (KJV).

That’s like, a big thumbs up for whole, unprocessed foods that are good for us and the planet. And then there’s Leviticus 11:1-47, where God’s giving the Israelites the lowdown on what’s clean and unclean, and it’s all about treating animals right and eating the good stuff. By choosing whole foods, we’re not just feeding our bodies, we’re also being kind to the earth and the creatures on it.

Specific Foods and Drinks in the Bible

The Symbolism and Significance of Certain Foods in the Bible

I’ve been reading about food in the Bible, and honestly, it’s pretty mind-blowing – all the symbolism and whatnot. Like, take bread. Not just something you slap some peanut butter on, but it’s actually a big deal, represents God’s provision and all that.

The Bible says,

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35, KJV).

It’s weird, but bread’s more than just, you know, food – it’s like, Jesus is our bread, our source of life or whatever.

Now, wine’s a whole different story. It’s like, joy and celebration, but also the blood of Christ, which is heavy stuff. Jesus uses it to represent this new covenant thingy between God and us.

And have you ever thought about olive oil? Like, it’s not just for cooking, but it’s also about healing and spiritual growth and whatnot. They used it to, like, anoint leaders and heal the sick, and even light lamps, which is kinda cool.

The Role of Fasting and Abstinence in the Bible

So, what’s the deal with fasting and abstinence? Are they still relevant today? The Bible seems to think so.

I mean, take Jesus – he fasts for 40 days in the wilderness, which is just crazy. But it shows us the power of self-denial and spiritual discipline, I guess. And then there’s Paul, who’s all about temporary abstinence from sex for prayer and fasting, which is, um, quite a commitment.

It’s not just about depriving ourselves of stuff we like, though – it’s more about making space for spiritual growth and self-reflection and all that jazz.

The Importance of Gratitude and Thanksgiving in Eating

Lastly, the Bible’s all about being grateful and thankful when we eat. Like, Paul’s all, “Don’t be legalistic about food,” but instead, just be thankful for what God’s given us.

And then he writes,

“He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.” (Romans 14:6, KJV).

When we’re grateful for our food, we’re basically acknowledging that God’s in control, and every bite’s a gift, which is pretty cool, I reckon.

Figuring Out How Diet, Exercise, and Spirituality Are Connected

How Physical and Spiritual Discipline Are Linked

Looking back on my own struggles with diet and exercise, it’s pretty clear the Bible places a lot of emphasis on physical discipline playing a role in our spiritual lives.

Apostle Paul says,

“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24, KJV).

He’s getting at more than just, you know, running – it’s about the kind of spiritual discipline you need to live a life that’s actually going somewhere.

If an athlete wants to win, they gotta put in the work, and as Christians, we gotta do the same – discipline our bodies, minds, the whole nine yards – if we wanna live a life that’s honoring to God.

For me, that means trying to eat pretty healthy, get some exercise every now and then.

How Taking Care of Yourself Fits into a Healthy Spiritual Life

Thing is, it’s not all about being super disciplined – taking care of yourself is important too.

Jesus says we’re supposed to love God with every part of us, and love the people around us like we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:30-31).

If I’m not taking care of my own needs, how am I supposed to be able to love and serve others?

It’s not selfish to prioritize your own well-being – it’s actually just doing what God says, which is to love yourself and others.

Trying to Figure Out What God Wants Us to Do About Diet and Exercise

So, what’s the Bible say about all this?

It’s not really about finding the perfect diet or exercise routine – it’s about asking God for guidance, and being open to His wisdom in all areas of life.

The Bible says,

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV).

As I’m trying to make healthy choices, and prioritize my physical and spiritual well-being, I’m trying to remember to ask God for guidance, too.

If I do that, I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to live a life that’s honoring to Him – all of me, not just parts.

Trying to Live by the Bible in Today’s World

I’m just trying to figure out how to take care of my body in a world that’s all about convenience, you know? As someone who’s Christian, I want to make sure I’m doing right by God.

Making Time for Physical Health When Life Gets Crazy

I mean, the Bible’s pretty clear on this one:

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV).

It’s like, my body’s this sacred thing, and I gotta take care of it. But, honestly, it’s hard when I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off and all I wanna do is grab some fast food.

For me, it’s about making these tiny, intentional choices. Like, instead of hitting snooze, I try to get up a bit earlier and squeeze in a quick workout. It’s not always a breeze, but it’s worth it, you know? Exercise is like, my way of clearing my head, getting my mood up, and getting my body ready for the day.

Trying to Eat Healthy When Everyone’s Telling You to Just Grab Something Quick

Let’s be real, it’s tough to make healthy choices when everything around us is all about quick fixes and instant gratification. But the Bible’s all about being mindful of what we put in our bodies.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV).

For me, that means trying to be intentional about what I eat and drink. I’m not perfect or anything, but I try to stick to whole foods that’ll actually do something good for my body, instead of just grabbing processed snacks and sugary drinks all the time. It’s all about making progress, one little choice at a time.

Finding People to Support You in Your Healthy Lifestyle

One thing that’s really helped me is having people around me who get it. Like, having friends and family who are all about living healthy, it’s been a total game-changer.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, KJV).

Whether it’s finding someone to work out with, joining some healthy eating group, or just sharing my goals with a friend, having someone to hold me accountable and cheer me on has made all the difference.

What Do You Think?

How does this verse relate to your life experiences? Drop your insights or stories in the comments. Your reflections could resonate with and inspire others.

Found this helpful? Let your friends know and check out more great content at BibleBreathe.com!

Photo modified by BibleBreathe.com. Original photo on Unsplash.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Does The Bible Say About Exercise And Diet

What does the Bible say about taking care of your body?

To be honest, I think the Bible’s pretty clear on this one – our bodies are basically temples of the Holy Spirit, like it says in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. So, taking care of my physical health is kinda like… well, it’s just a way of showing respect to God, you know? Then there’s that verse in 1 Timothy 4:8 that says physical training is cool and all, but it’s not as important as being a good person.

Is it biblical to prioritize exercise and physical health?

I’d say yeah, it’s definitely biblical. I mean, have you read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20? It’s like, our bodies are these amazing gifts from God, and we should try to take care of ’em. Exercise and physical health aren’t just about me, though – it’s about being able to serve others and do God’s work. Plus, when I’m healthy, I just feel more… alive, I guess.

What does the Bible say about eating habits and healthy living?

So I was reading the Bible the other day, and I came across this verse in Proverbs 23:20-21 that’s all about not overdoing it with food and drink. And then there’s 1 Timothy 4:8, which says that taking care of my body is cool, but it’s not the most important thing. For me, it’s all about finding that balance and trying to make choices that honor God. I mean, my body’s a temple, right?