5 Bible Truths For a Positive Body Image

In this article, we will look at five biblical truths to remember as we try to move to a more positive body image.

5 Biblical Truths for a More Positive Body Image

1. We are made in the image of God.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27, NIV

This is a spectacular truth, so try to let it sink into your heart. Pause for a moment and reflect. The amazing God of all creation has made you in His image. Not just your heart, soul, and mind, but in some way your body too. There could not be a stronger reason to have a positive body image than that.

2. Everything God has made is good.

The second truth to hold on to is that God Himself considers all his creation good, including the bodies He made for us:

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. – Genesis 1:31, NIV

Even after the Fall, and the brokenness of the world and our bodies that followed, Scripture doesn’t ever revoke the fact that we are made in God’s image (though this image may be tarnished) nor the fact that creation is good.

3. God’s opinion is the one that should matter most.

The third truth is to choose carefully who you listen to. The Bible warns against “the fear of man” which is to let other people’s opinions have a controlling influence in our lives. God is the One we should be listening to. If He says our bodies are good, then don’t let other people convince you otherwise.

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. – Proverbs 29:25, NIV

4. God will ultimately resurrect and renew our bodies.

The fourth truth to remember is that God thinks our bodies are worth resurrecting on the last day. Jesus was the first to be resurrected, and those who believe in him will also be resurrected. In addition, God will be renewing all things, restoring them to a perfection we have not yet experienced this side of heaven. Broken or imperfect bodies remind us of the hope of resurrection and renewal.

At the sound of the last trumpet the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so we will never die again. – 1 Corinthians 15:52, CEV

And he who was seated on the throne said, ”Behold, I am making all things new.” – Revelation 21:5, ESV

5. There are more important things to think about than body image.

For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? – Matthew 6:25, NIV

Lastly, though it is important to have a positive body image that reflects what God thinks of our bodies, this should not be the focus of our lives. Our purpose is to love God and love our neighbor, not to be consumed with our physical attractiveness. God is concerned with our character and transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. To that end, we need to have our eyes fixed on Him and His beauty, not our own.

Next steps.

It can be hard to develop or regain a positive body image if we have been abused, suffered trauma, or suffer from addiction. If you struggle in any of these ways, please consider counseling sessions with a trained biblical counselor. Contact us today to make an appointment.