God cares deeply about our bodies. They are an important part of His good creation. Unfortunately, sin warps our view of the body. The enemy convinces us that we are only valuable if our bodies are thin enough, whispering lies about our identity in Christ. Food, which God designed as a source of joy and nutrition, becomes either an enemy or an idol, or both.
This brokenness can lead to something called an eating disorder, which is a complex mental health condition that causes a person to have disrupted eating patterns and a distorted view of their own body. Some types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa (extreme restriction of food intake), bulimia nervosa (eating large amounts of food followed by purging), and binge eating disorder (repeated episodes of consuming large amounts of food in short periods of time).
People fall into the trap of eating disorders for a variety of reasons. If life feels out of control, a person might cope by overcontrolling their food intake. In a time of distress or trauma, a person might turn to excessive amounts of food for comfort. Others feel pressured to be perfect, so they strive for thinness (which is part of their idea of perfection) in unhealthy ways. Athletes might practice disordered eating to fit into a certain weight bracket or to fit into their idea of what an athlete “should†look like.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, please be reminded of these truths: Jesus, and nothing else, is constant, even when it feels like life is spiraling out of control. Jesus, and nothing else, offers ultimate comfort in every hardship through the Holy Spirit. Jesus, and nothing else, makes you perfect before God through His work on the cross. Jesus, and nothing else, is your identity. Your weight or athletic standing cannot shake who you are in Him.
If you have put your trust in Jesus, you are forgiven. Nothing you do will ever change this. Nothing you do will ever change the fact that you are perfect in God’s eyes. Your failures cannot shake who you are in Jesus. Forgiveness is our greatest need at any given moment—that’s true for everyone who has ever lived. Whatever you have done to yourself, whatever you think of yourself, doesn’t change one iota the forgiveness you have in Christ.
Reach out to a safe person and tell them about your struggles. Pray for God’s guidance and seek healing and restoration. Treatment for eating disorders can be long and complex, usually requiring therapy and nutritional counseling, and Jesus will walk with you every step of the way.
If you suspect your friend is struggling with an eating disorder, speak to a trusted adult such as a counselor, pastor, parent, coach, teacher, etc. Walk with your friend in Christ’s love, pointing them back to the power of the cross.
Healing is possible. Satan tries to hold us in shame and guilt, but Jesus took every ounce of that shame and guilt upon Himself on the cross, then rose again from the dead, defeating sin and brokenness forever. And, in Christ, that same power lives in you (Romans 8:11).
Eating disorders can be deadly. But we follow the God of life, and someday Jesus is returning to resurrect us to live eternally in our perfect bodies. • Taylor Eising
• If you are struggling with disordered eating or think you may have an eating disorder and aren’t sure who to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.
• Eating disorders are often accompanied by other underlying mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Why is it important that any treatment must address the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of eating disorders?
• If you know Jesus, then God dwells in your body through the Holy Spirit. How might this affect the way you view your body?
• Why does our physical health matter to Jesus?
• How does caring for our bodies glorify God?
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous— how well I know it. Psalm 139:14 (NLT)
Read Verses:
Matthew 7:7-8; John 14:13-14; 1 John 5:13-15
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