In case you can't get enough of these ...
I am always searching out verses or interpreting daily Mass readings through the lens of my fitness journey. So in the vein of writing the type of post you’d like to read, here are 15 verses from the New American Bible that relate to the importance of health and fitness:
Your Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.”
This verse from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 emphasizes that our bodies are sacred and should be cared for as a dwelling place of God’s Spirit.
Stewardship of the Body (This is the key message during The Faith & fitness Retreats)
“I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.”
Romans 12:1 encourages us to dedicate our physical bodies to God’s service.
Health as a Blessing
“Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every respect and are in good health, just as your soul is prospering.”
3 John 1:2 expresses a wish for physical health alongside spiritual well-being.
Moderation
“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.”
Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against overindulgence in food and drink.
Physical Training & Keeping Our Eyes on Christ
“For while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.”
1 Timothy 4:8 acknowledges the value of physical exercise while emphasizing spiritual training.
The Sabbath: Rest and Renewal
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 highlights the importance of rest and rejuvenation.
Anima sancta in corpore sano. (“A holy soul in a healthy body.”)
“A joyful heart is the health of the body, but a depressed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22 connects mental attitude with physical health.
Caring for the Weak
“Strengthen hands that are feeble; make firm knees that are weak.”
Isaiah 35:3 encourages support for those who are physically weak.
Healing and Wholeness
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3 speaks of God’s healing power for both emotional and physical ailments.
Discipline and Self-Control; Practicing What You Preach
“No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”
1 Corinthians 9:27 emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in physical matters.
Nourishment and Care
“No one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church.”
Ephesians 5:29 reminds us to properly nourish and care for our bodies.
Strength from God
“I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.”
Philippians 4:13 speaks of drawing strength from God for all tasks, including physical ones.
Wisdom in Health Choices
“The wise person has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.”
Ecclesiastes 2:14 encourages making wise choices, which can apply to health decisions.
Balance in Life
“There is an appointed time for everything and a time for every affair under the heavens.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us of the importance of balance in all aspects of life, including health and fitness.
Perseverance in Physical Challenges
“Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope.”
Romans 5:3-4 speaks of the character-building nature of physical challenges.
There you go … 15 Biblical verses to reflect upon. I dig these and will continue to post these with examples on Instagram and YouTube.
Find me on the socials for more.
God Bless!
Dave
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