“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6
Did you know that cancer patients who claim a belief in God have higher survival statistics? There is a documented positive correlation between a positive attitude and longevity and also the ability to offer forgiveness with living longer. When that research was first presented at medical conferences, many professionals were astonished.
Yet, should we, as believers, be surprised?
Romans 8:6 tells us, “But the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.”
The phrase, “The Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t been raised in the church or if the idea of asking the Holy Spirit for help is foreign to you, let’s look at Galatians 5:22. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.”
If the concept of religion has always been a road to morality for you, this post might be confusing. God doesn’t just give us a list of do’s and don’ts; He offers us a relationship with Him. Jesus, God’s son, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice so we could come directly to God, even though we sin. God also gave us the Holy Spirit, the third party in the Trinity, to help us in that relationship. John 14: 16-17, reads, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
Once we accept Christ’s sacrifice, the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts, helping us to act godly throughout our time on earth. (Never perfect, because we still must choose, but He offers influence.)
When we read God’s promises, is it any wonder that science has found we are healthier people when we put Scripture into practice? Not that any of those things are easy all the time, but when we accept God’s proffered help, we are indeed healthier, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Jesus promised in John 10:10 that He came to give us life, and give it abundantly. He wants to help us make the most of each and every day. One way to help facilitate that is to experience health to the fullest. He wants us to have the best health possible. Part of that is under our control, based in the choices we make. when we chose to eat healthfully, exercise, and manage stress, we are helping our physical bodies and our mental health. When we chose to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading we are indeed helping our mental, spiritual , and yes, even our physical health.
Isn’t it amazing that humans did indeed come with an instruction book? Search through Scripture and you will find that God offers resources to help our health- in all ways.
Will you join me in seeking His help and thanking Him for His assistance?
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for your assistance through the Holy Spirit to help guide decisions, decisions which have so many consequences, including even my own health wrapped into them. Please help me to learn, and to obey Your guidance. Please help me to realize when I missed the mark and how to correct the mistake. Thank You that every day I can begin anew. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resources if you are interested scratching the surface of the science behind forgiveness.:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/forgiveness/art-20047692
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/01/ce-corner
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/forgiveness-your-health-depends-on-it
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19445342/
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