Holy, Healthy, Whole: Growing Fruits of the Spirit for Weight Loss and WellnessNäide

Lasting Fruit Skill #3 - Create Your Community

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 (NIV)

Weight loss happens in community.

Did you know that people lose more weight when they join a community that supports them?

Scientific research supports the fact that God created us for fellowship. You are not meant to live your life alone, and you are not meant to lose weight alone, either.

I once heard a therapist say, "Disordered eating happens in isolation, and healing happens in community." As someone in recovery from compulsive overeating, binge eating, and food addiction, I believe this is true.

Here are some ways you can reach out for community support.

Family and Friends

Asking for help from others takes courage, but it is worth it. Your friends and loved ones care about you and want you to be as healthy as possible. They might not know how to be supportive unless you tell them.

Local Groups

You may find support from a 12-step group, an eating disorder recovery group, a weight loss program, or discover a community through group fitness activities, such as an exercise class, a walking club, or a sports team.

Online Weight Loss Support

One of the things I love most about The Holy Mess is the support we give each other, whether it’s through comments in our membership, Facebook groups, or email. Even if you don't have local friends who understand what you're going through, a digital community can be found.

Church

The Bible is clear that people who follow Jesus are intended to go to regular worship and Bible study at church.

If you are part of a supportive Christian church community where Christ is preached as the only way to heaven and the Bible is regarded as the true Word of God, that’s fantastic! Continue to attend regularly.

If you haven’t attended church in a while, or if you don’t attend regularly, I encourage you to make this an area where you can make changes.

When you attend church and receive Holy Communion, this is an essential part of your Christian life. The Holy Spirit is at work in the bread and wine or grape juice. Never underestimate the importance of regularly participating in Word and Sacrament.

Reflection: Do you have a community that supports your weight loss efforts? Do you need to reach out for additional support?

Prayer: God, I know you created me for community. Give me the courage to be vulnerable and reach out for support. Thank you for being with me always, so I am never alone. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.