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

So Much Goodness

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true). Ephesians 5:8-9 (NIV)

When you think of what it takes to make weight loss happen, you probably think of restriction.

You may think that in order to lose weight, you must do without, like:

• Give up certain foods.
• Lose sleep to exercise.
• Restrict all treats and foods you enjoy.

Instead, I challenge you to focus on the good.

When you think about it, being overweight is only possible because you have access to such an abundance of food.

Focus on the abundance of goodness you have available to you. God has blessed you beyond measure.

Consider:

• You are alive. You are breathing.
• You have plenty of food, clean water, and fresh air.
• You have family and friends.
• You have shelter.
• You are forgiven and saved.

Instead of focusing on the foods you can’t have (and there is honestly no food you can't have if you choose), focus on what you can have, like:

• Bright, crisp vegetables.
• Sweet, juicy fruit.
• Satisfying meat, cheese, and yogurt.
• Refreshing water to drink.

The more you make a specific choice to focus on the good, the more the spiritual fruit of goodness will develop in you.

Reflection: What’s good about your health, food, and weight today?

Prayer: Lord, so often it’s easy for me to focus on the negative. I think about what I can’t have, or I get jealous of other people who have what I want. Help me to focus on the good today. Thank you for the abundance of blessings you have given me. Develop the fruit of goodness in me so that I can serve you fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.