By Dr. Michael Donaldson –
The Bible is a wealth of knowledge for healthy eating for all who wish to explore it. From the Old Testament to the New, God’s instructions can increase our wellness. There are numerous Biblical principles for how we can eat a nutritious diet and why we should.
God Gave Us Real Food
Eating “real food” existed from the beginning of creation. Adam and Eve’s first job was to tend the Garden of Eden. This shows the importance God places on foods grown from the earth. God has equipped the land to be fertile so plants can grow, and we can enjoy them. Ezekiel says:
“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:12, NIV)
If we are capable of maintaining a home garden, then we should. We can reap the health benefits that come from home-grown vegetables, fruits, and herbs. In Genesis, God says,
“I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.” (Genesis 1:29, NIV)
During Jesus’ era, there were no Oreos or other processed foods. The options were fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, and honey. In Genesis, God also gives humans animals for food as well. (Genesis 9:3)
Whether you are a vegetarian or not, one thing is clear: God wants us to eat healthily and that involves real foods, whether plants, animals, or both. Let’s keep chemically engineered “food” off our tables.
He Wants Us to Cook
God has given us the ability to arrange ingredients in a manner to create exciting dishes. Eating home-cooked meals is shown to help people eat more fruits and vegetables. Cooking and baking are ways we can take what Christ gives us and turn it into something healthful.
Right before the Siege of Jerusalem, God gave Ezekiel “wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt” so he could make bread. (Ezekiel 4:9, NIV) In the New Testament, God performs a miracle with the miraculous catch of fish so the disciples can eat a meal together. After the meal, they enjoyed fish over the fire, along with bread. (John 21:9-10) In both these examples, God shows us how to make something with the ingredients He has provided us.
We Are Meant to Eat Together
Cooking and hospitality go hand in hand, for when we make a delicious meal, it’s great to have company to enjoy it with. Studies show that eating together promotes happiness and well-being. This principle occurs in the Bible time and time again. There are a few examples of the frequency of eating together within Acts.
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” (Acts 2:46, NIV)
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.” (Acts 20:7, NIV)
It’s notable that the theme of coming together for a shared meal appears often in Acts. The theme of the book of Acts is about how to live in community with others. Part of this community involves sharing meals, as it resembles the most notable meal of all, The Last Supper.
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” (Luke 22:19, NIV)
Partaking of Communion in church with other believers is one way we remember our Lord’s Supper, but it can also be simpler than that. Can you attend church coffee hours and other social functions to eat with other believers? How about providing hospitality by inviting friends and family over for a meal? You don’t have to wait for a holiday to get together. Paul recommends:
“… not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV)
How can you make time to get together with other believers? Sharing a meal may be one of the healthiest and easiest things you can do. The result will be strengthened social, emotional, and spiritual health.
Promotes Fasting
Fasting from food is prevalent in the Bible, in both the Old and New Testament. The disciples fasted before beginning their ministry journey (Acts 13:2-3), and Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. (Luke 4:2-4) Fasting is a method to draw closer to God and to rely on Him for our sustenance. It’s also a reminder to rely on spiritual nourishment instead of being slaves to our bodies. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
Numerous Christian groups partake of fasting, especially during Lent. Some denominations fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and others fast during the entire Lenten period. Eastern Orthodox Christians fast on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the year, as well as during special feast seasons, such as the Nativity Fast.
Teaches Self-Control
Fasting and self-control go hand in hand, as fasting is often associated with consuming less food. Self-control is about controlling your desires, so they don’t control you. We shouldn’t eat to be gluttonous, but we should exercise moderation in all we do. Dietary best practices say to stop eating before you’re full. Likewise, the same goes for drinking. Paul warns the Ephesians to “… not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18, NIV)
In a similar manner, during the Lord’s Prayer, we say “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11, NIV) By saying “daily bread,” we are not asking God for an abundance, but for enough to sustain us. Our petition to God is for Him to give us what we need, not more, which helps us control our bodies. By following these Biblical principles for healthy living, we can find physical and spiritual nourishment in Christ, our “Bread of Life.” (John 6:35).
Author Bio: Dr. Michael Donaldson is a chemical engineering graduate of Cornell University and now Research Director of the Hallelujah Diet. He has spent the last 18 years studying people who have experienced health benefits through diet and published scientific research on its benefits for fighting fibromyalgia, cancer, diabetes, and other ailments. His work consists of designing and coordinating epidemiologic and clinical intervention studies based on specific symptoms or diseases and focuses on the results of the Hallelujah Diet.