For the past 15 years, my life’s mission has been dedicated to helping people overcome chronic health issues. During this time, I’ve noticed a common theme: Some Christians hesitate to actively pursue healing, fearing that they should exclusively rely on and trust in God for their recovery. This hesitancy has resulted in me witnessing a number of Christians facing a multitude of health challenges, both mentally and physically— and finding themselves profoundly stuck on their healing journey. Motivated by this sad truth, I wanted to shine some light on this topic with the hope of gently guiding more individuals toward the path of peace and healing.
As a fellow believer, I extend this message to you without judgement: One crucial concept vital to your ability to heal is the Christian belief in continually bringing your problems to God, casting doubts and fears upon Him for healing. While aligning with the Christian faith, this approach often leads many to adopt a passive role in their healing journey, resulting in limited success.
Trauma, a common experience in our lives, leads to nervous system dysregulation. In this state, our bodies remain stuck in a perpetual state of threat physiology, influencing hyper-vigilance, shame, anger, catastrophizing, and fear-based thinking. Despite casting fears to God, many Christians find themselves trapped in a cycle of fear and poor health. I witness this often! It’s heartbreaking! It’s crucial to understand that healing requires an ACTIVE ROLE, a role that also aligns with biblical teachings. God desires your healing, and part of this process involves actively participating in your own recovery.
However, Christians often struggle in this aspect, primarily due to a difficulty in loving themselves. Surprisingly, the Bible emphasizes loving our neighbors as ourselves, yet many Christians are ridden with self-criticism and constantly neglecting their own needs, which significantly hinders their capacity to love and serve others fully. Mark 12:31: The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. This scripture reinforces the idea that our ability to love and serve others is tied to how well we love and care for OURSELVES. The concept of self-responsibility and self-love, when examined within a Christian context, doesn’t contradict the faith but rather complements it. Entrusting one’s problems to God and seeking His guidance remains fundamental, but it doesn’t negate personal responsibility or the pursuit of self-improvement, which I witness all too often.
In Christianity, everyone is valued as a creation in the image of God, emphasizing a responsibility to care for oneself. Galatians 6:5: For each one should carry their own load. This scripture encourages personal responsibility and implies that individuals should bear their burdens, suggesting an ACTIVE role in managing one’s life. Self-love, in this context, is not about selfishness; rather, it’s recognizing oneself as a cherished creation worthy of care and respect. This self-respect aligns with Christian teachings, reflecting the love and respect owed to ourselves as part of God’s creation. Stewardship, a core Christian concept, extends to all aspects of life, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Taking full responsibility for your lives, our energy, and emotional health honors the body and mind that God has given you. Scientific insights into the powerful connection between our thoughts, emotions, and health harmoniously align with Christian principles. Engaging in practices such as mindfulness, expressing gratitude, addressing unresolved trauma, processing emotions, and restoring balance to the nervous system contributes to a healthier and more joyous life. These practices not only enhance personal well-being but also fortify our ability to live out the Christian faith authentically – and SERVE OTHERS (which is why we’re here!). The intertwining of Christianity with the healing practices of self-love and personal responsibility is not only harmonious but mutually reinforcing. By actively caring for oneself and responsibly managing energy, individuals become better equipped to fulfill their divine calling, serve others with genuine compassion, and partake in the greatest form of honoring God. This interconnected approach underscores the holistic nature of faith and well-being, integrating spiritual beliefs with evidence-based practices for a more fulfilled and purposeful life. Embrace this truth, my friends: Healing is available to EVERYONE, awaiting you once you break free from the chains that bind you to unwellness! Always remember: Our bodies mirror who we are BEING, not who we are TRYING to be.
Despite the earnest efforts of many Christians to live faithfully, trusting, and surrendering doubts to Him, the reality is that many don’t attain this, and this reality manifests in their bodies as ‘dis-ease.’ Proverbs 23:7: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. The body reflets the mind.
To all on this journey, know that healing is within reach. Let this serve as a reminder, bringing hope and encouragement, and reminding you that the path to wellness, peace, and fulfillment is available to all. If you are interested in putting this into practice, come join myself and hundreds of others by joining my New You program.
