The Temple Within
As Christians, we believe that our bodies are not our own. They are sacred, holy, and entrusted to us by God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the Apostle Paul writes, “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.” These verses remind us that how we care for our bodies matters deeply to God. Our physical health is more than just a personal issue, it’s a spiritual responsibility.
In today’s world, the conversation about health care and healing can be complicated. From natural remedies to medical treatments, divine healing to mental wellness, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the Bible gives us a solid foundation to understand God’s heart on these matters. Let’s take a biblical journey through God’s will for our health and healing, and what it means for us today.
In the Beginning: God’s Perfect Design
When God created Adam and Eve, He placed them in a garden, a perfect, lush environment full of nourishment and peace. Genesis tells us that they had dominion over all creation. There was no sickness, no disease, no suffering. This was God’s original intention for humanity: a life of health, wholeness, and close fellowship with Him.
But sin changed everything. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, the world fell under a curse, and sickness and death entered. The perfect environment was lost, but God’s love never changed. Even after the fall, His desire for our healing and restoration remained.
Healing and Blessing Among the Righteous
Throughout the Old Testament, we see that God continued to reveal His will for His people to walk in health and healing. During their journey through the wilderness, the Israelites witnessed God’s miraculous provision and care. Psalm 105:37 says, “He brought them forth also with silver and gold: and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.”
In Deuteronomy 28, God set before His people a choice, blessing or cursing. Health and prosperity were part of the blessing for those who walked in obedience. This was not just about following rules, it was about aligning with God’s heart and walking in His divine protection and care.
The Healing Ministry of Jesus
The ministry of Jesus made God’s will for healing even more evident. Jesus didn’t just preach; He healed the sick, raised the dead, and restored the broken. Time and again, Scripture tells us that Jesus was moved with compassion. Healing wasn’t just a display of power, it was a demonstration of love.
Matthew 4:24 says, “News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases… and he healed them.” Whether someone had a physical condition, a spiritual oppression, or emotional distress, Jesus brought wholeness.
Healing has both spiritual and physical implications. Physical healing often points to a deeper spiritual truth, God desires to restore every part of us. Healing comes from God, whether it happens instantly through prayer, gradually through medical care, or even supernaturally. It is all from His hand.
The Acts of the Holy Spirit
After Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to continue His work. In the book of Acts, we see miracle after miracle performed in Jesus’ name. Acts 5:16 tells us, “Crowds gathered… bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.”
The apostles cast out demons, healed the lame, and raised the dead, all through the power of the Holy Spirit. This wasn’t just for show. It was a continuation of God’s will to heal and restore His people. And that same Holy Spirit dwells in believers today.
We Are the Hands of Jesus
As the Body of Christ, we are His hands and feet in the world today. Jesus expects us to carry on His mission of compassion and healing. In Matthew 25:40, He said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
This means we have a responsibility:
- To lay hands on the sick and pray for their recovery (Mark 16:18)
- To visit those who are sick or shut-in
- To assist the elderly in their appointments and needs
- To offer comfort and companionship to those suffering
These acts of love are not optional. They are expressions of Jesus’ heart and expectations for His followers.
Does Going to the Doctor Mean You Lack Faith?
This is a question many Christians wrestle with: If I trust God, should I still see a doctor?
The answer is yes, seeking medical help does not mean you lack faith. Medicine can be a tool God uses for healing. Luke, one of the gospel writers, was a physician. God has given wisdom to scientists and doctors to help treat diseases and improve our quality of life.
However, we must always seek God first. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” Before making any health decision, we should pray, listen for the peace of God, and follow His leading. Sometimes that means seeing a doctor. Other times, it may mean believing for a miracle. Either way, our trust is in Him, not in the method.
Standing on God’s Word in Illness
No matter the path God leads us on, whether through medicine or miraculous healing, we must anchor ourselves in His Word. Healing may take time. It may come in ways we don’t expect. But through it all, the Word of God is our foundation.
Here are some spiritual practices to stand on during illness:
- Meditate on God’s promises. Scriptures like Isaiah 53:5, Psalm 103:2-3, and 1 Peter 2:24 remind us of God’s healing covenant.
- Speak life over your situation. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Speak healing, not defeat.
- Listen to the Word. Fill your ears with sermons, healing Scriptures, and worship music that uplifts your spirit.
- Guard your heart. Don’t let fear or doubt take root; stay anchored in hope and faith.
Taking Natural Responsibility
Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are called to care for them intentionally. This means making wise choices about what we eat, how we move, and how we rest.
- Eat nutritious food. We can’t expect to feel our best if we constantly fill our bodies with unhealthy, processed foods.
- Exercise regularly. You don’t need to be a fitness model, but regular movement helps your body function as God intended.
- Rest and recharge. Even God rested on the seventh day. Your body needs time to recover and renew.
Taking care of your body isn’t vanity, it’s stewardship.
Conclusion: Honor God with Your Health
To care for your body is to honor the One who created it. Health and healing are gifts from God, and He desires that we walk in wholeness, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. From the Garden of Eden to the ministry of Jesus, from the Acts of the Apostles to our daily lives, the message is clear: God cares about our health.
Let us recap the key truths:
- Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
- God’s original design included health and wholeness.
- Jesus came to heal and restore.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to minister healing to others.
- Seeing a doctor does not mean you lack faith.
- God’s Word sustains us in sickness and in health.
- We must be good stewards of our physical bodies.
Today, let’s commit to honoring God in every area of our health. Let’s be His hands to those in need, seek His wisdom in every decision, and trust in His healing power. May you be encouraged, empowered, and inspired to care for your body, because it is holy, it is valuable, and it belongs to the Lord.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of our bodies. Help us to be wise stewards of our health. Guide our choices, bring healing where there is sickness, and give us compassion to care for others. Let Your Word be our anchor and Your Spirit our guide. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By
Micah Von