Loving Our NeighborsSample

Wholistic Well-Being

When God created us, He called us very good. That doesn’t apply to just one part of us. When God called us very good, He meant our entire selves—our bodies, minds, and spirits. 

Like we talked about yesterday, we live in a fallen world, so our bodies can still get sick, grow weak, and deteriorate. Yet they are still inherently good, and God will restore them completely one day.

Sometimes, we’re tempted to think God only cares about our spiritual health, but He cares about all of it. Our emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical health matter to our loving Father, and we can see evidence of this through Jesus’ life and miraculous healings. 

In Mark 5, Jesus is on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter. As they’re walking toward Jairus’ house, a crowd forms. A woman who had suffered 12 years with a bleeding issue touches the hem of Jesus’ robe, and instantly, she’s healed. 

Jesus stops what He’s doing to acknowledge the woman, telling her that her faith has made her well. Jesus not only heals her body but also builds her faith and affirms her worth. She would have been an outcast in society because of her condition, and by acknowledging her, Jesus reminds her that she no longer has to hide. She is worthy. 

Jesus then continues toward Jairus’ daughter, and when they finally reach the house, something a little strange happens. Jesus commands the girl to get up, and immediately, she’s healed. But what happens next is a bit odd. Jesus tells the people to feed her.

Think about that for a second. Jesus just brought her back to life, and now He wants to make sure she gets a sandwich?! 

What a picture of God’s love. Jesus cared about all areas of her physical wellness—not just the miraculous. He heals her from the dead but also acknowledges her basic, routine need for food. 

Jesus cares that deeply for our well-being too—every single part of it. 

So if we’re called to love our neighbor as ourselves, it makes sense that we would support all aspects of our neighbors’ well-being, too. Whether it’s showing up to meet practical needs for a friend who’s sick, supporting a neighbor dealing with anxiety, or walking with someone transitioning out of addiction, there are countless ways for us to seek wellness for our neighbor. 

Today, take some time to think about how deeply Jesus cares for your every need. How does that love inspire you to support the wholistic well-being of others?

Pray: God, thank You for caring about every detail of my life. I know that my entire well-being matters to You, not just my spiritual health. Help me fully receive Your love, mercy, care, and compassion so that I can extend it to others. Show me how to care for the well-being of those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Think about the people around you as image bearers who are worthy of wellness. What does this encourage you to do?