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

Walk in Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

How Do You Define Food Freedom?

For those of us with weight issues, we know that freedom with food is something we sincerely want, but what does that look like?

We asked women in our Christian Weight Loss Facebook group what food freedom means to them, and here are some of their responses.

• Food freedom - honoring God with my food choices and not being shackled to anything food-wise.
• Not thinking about food unless I’m hungry. Not letting food control me or my thoughts.
• Food freedom is when I can finally eat healthy and in moderation without thinking. I’m free from ​food temptations. I know temptations will always be there, but I can handle them better.

Can you relate to any of these? I sure can.

When I was 100 pounds heavier, I would have defined food freedom as eating anything I wanted in unlimited quantities without consequences. (I knew this wasn't realistic, but I still wanted it.)

What I wanted and called “food freedom” was actually food rebellion. I was in bondage.

Compare that to my life today:

• I am closer to God than I have ever been before. My faith has grown as I've relied on my Heavenly Father during times of weakness and temptation.
• I buy the clothes I want and live in the same size for years.
• I don’t worry about my weight when we plan events or outings, fearing that I won't be able to get up the steps or fit into the booth at a restaurant.

​Christian freedom is so different from what the world suggests. Our culture tells us that freedom is the personal choice to do what we want.

Biblical freedom comes from walking in God's will for you, which includes your food choices.

Friend, this is the true freedom that I'm praying will be yours.

Reflection: For our final reflection, consider how you've grown in each fruit of the Spirit. Use these questions as a guide.

• How has love changed your weight loss journey?
• In what ways have you developed joy, even if you aren’t at your goal weight yet?
• Have you developed a sense of peace that God’s plan is perfect for your body?
• In what ways do you have more patience for your weight loss process?
• Are you more kind to yourself and others about food and your weight?
• Are you eating more gently?
• How are you more focused on what’s good in your life?
• Are you faithful and committed to your weight loss process?
• In what ways are you developing more self-control each day?

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the true freedom I have in Christ - freedom from guilt, shame, and the grip of food. Help me walk daily in that freedom, honoring You with my choices and relying on Your strength when temptation comes. Come, Holy Spirit. Amen.

Explore other resources from Sara Borgstede and The Holy Mess at https://theholymess.com/youversion/.