The Benefits of Caring for Your Health: How It Strengthens You, Your Community, and Your Faith

A  few Scriptures to show you the care God has for your health

3 John 1:2 – Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Proverbs 3:7-8 – Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Exodus 23:25 – You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.

Proverbs 16:24 – Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

1 Timothy 4:8 – For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

How Does Caring for Your Health Affect You?

The benefits of prioritizing your health are both evident and transformative. By choosing to care for your physical well-being, you create the foundation for a vibrant and energetic life. Positive outcomes may vary depending on individual choices and circumstances, but the overarching truth is clear: investing in your health yields rewarding results.

For some, it may mean maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding related complications. For others, it might lead to balanced nutrition and improved physical endurance. Many people experience the joys of a body that functions optimally—free from daily discomforts such as heartburn, persistent aches, headaches, fatigue, or irregular digestion. Instead of feeling burdened, you enjoy energy and vitality that enhance your daily life. 

Some may argue that caring for yourself is selfish, but Scripture suggests otherwise. For instance, Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves(Matt. 22:39), which implies a healthy sense of self-love. How can we effectively love others if we neglect to love and care for ourselves?

Ephesians 5:28-29, “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.  For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church” Similarly, Paul instructs husbands to love and cherish their wives as they do their own bodies, affirming that no one despises their own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it. God created you and loves you; thus, you ought to love and care for what He has made. By caring for yourself, you not only reap personal rewards but also bless those around you through greater love, discipline, and joy.

Caring for your health not only benefits you but also profoundly impacts those in your life, from acquaintances to loved ones. When you make healthy choices—such as enjoying nutritious snacks, staying active, and bringing energy to your daily activities—you naturally influence the people around you. Your example of vitality and intentional living can inspire others to adopt better habits, creating a ripple effect of positivity.

For those closest to you, such as family and close friends, the impact is even more profound. A Harvard School of Public Health article highlights how the health habits of friends and family significantly influence one another. Research reveals that obesity and unhealthy behaviors can spread within close social networks, but the opposite is also true: healthy behaviors like exercise and balanced eating are just as contagious. By inviting others to join you in positive habits, you not only improve your own well-being but also encourage others to live healthier lives.

This principle is beautifully underscored in 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” While poor habits can lead others astray, positive habits can build them up. As Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” While this may not be entirely literal, it reflects an important truth: the people closest to you strongly influence your life. Knowing this, imagine the impact you can have on others when you prioritize your health and set a positive example. By staying consistent in your habits, you can inspire those around you to follow in your footsteps, creating a community that thrives together.

Growing up, I was very unhealthy and overweight. At my heaviest, I was 5’9” and weighed 240 pounds at just 14 years old. Today, I’m 6’ tall and weigh 190 pounds. I began prioritizing my health at 17, which was also when I started prioritizing my faith. The results weren’t immediate or miraculous, but they were real and tangible. Over time, my overall health steadily improved, and I continue to reap the benefits today. I don’t share this to boast in my own efforts but to illustrate how these changes affected my family.

My older brother, who is three years older, was also significantly overweight, reaching 370 pounds at 6 feet tall. Initially, my transformation had little effect on him. But as I stayed consistent, he began asking me questions—seeking tips and advice about what I was doing. I shared what I had learned and let my life be the evidence of the process. After about two years, something clicked for him. Almost effortlessly on my part, he began changing his own life. He has since lost a significant amount of weight and looks healthier than ever. This is just one example from my life of how prioritizing personal health can influence those around you.

There are plenty of other examples, but the key takeaway is this: you can do it too. Whether you’re 17, 30, or even 70, you can improve your own health and positively impact others.

“When you are faithful in very little, you will be faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). Caring for your physical health demonstrates faithfulness in what may seem like a small area of life, but this faithfulness often overflows into other areas, including your spiritual walk with God. Taking care of your health strengthens your body and mind, enabling you to serve God and others more effectively.

God, the expert Designer, created our bodies to function in specific ways. When we align our lifestyle with His design—by nourishing our bodies, exercising, and resting—we honor His creation. Prioritizing health also deepens our faith as we witness how our obedience produces tangible benefits. Gratitude for a healthy heart, strong lungs, and the ability to walk or run builds trust in God’s provision, empowering us to believe Him for even greater things beyond our physical health.

The bottom line is clear: health matters to God. By treating your body as a temple, you honor Him and prepare yourself to carry out His will with strength and endurance.

Prioritizing your health is far more than a personal endeavor—it is a spiritual responsibility and an act of love toward others. By caring for your body, you honor God’s design, inspire your community, and equip yourself to serve in His kingdom. A healthy body enables a clear mind, a joyful heart, and a resilient spirit, all of which are vital for fulfilling your purpose. Let your life reflect the love, discipline, and intentionality that God calls us to, starting with the simple yet profound act of caring for the gift of your physical health.

The first step is to change the way you view yourself. Start by shifting your identity. Instead of saying, “I want to be strong and healthy” or “I will be someone who prioritizes health,” declare, “I am strong and healthy.” Identify yourself as someone who prioritizes health right now. When you change how you see yourself, your actions will naturally follow.

Next, examine your daily habits and begin making small but impactful changes. For instance, swap out high-calorie cream and sugar in your coffee for a lower-calorie alternative—or try drinking it black if you can. Instead of using butter to cook, opt for olive oil. Rather than sitting down and turning on the TV as soon as you get home from work, lace up your sneakers and take a walk. These minor adjustments may seem insignificant, but over time, they compound and can make a substantial difference in your overall health.

It’s also essential to build a sense of community. Find a walking buddy or join a group. Sign up for a gym and invite a friend to join you. Connect with people at your church who are also striving to live healthier lives—start a casual sport like soccer or basketball, or cook meals together with a focus on nutrition. Community provides accountability, and accountability fosters motivation.

Finally, stay informed and grounded in your purpose. Check out my other blog posts for tips and encouragement as you continue your journey. Dive into the Word regularly to remind yourself of the “why” behind your efforts. Seek out additional sources of inspiration and knowledge—don’t just take my word for it. Make sure you understand what He says and let that truth guide you.