Reading With the People of God - #4 ComfortSample

Body and Soul

"That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul..."

Our belonging to Jesus encompasses every aspect of our being. We are not just spiritually connected to Him; our physical bodies are also His. Romans 12:1 urges us "to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

Recognizing that our bodies and souls belong to Jesus means treating them with respect and care and aligning our actions with His will. Our physical actions, health choices, and daily habits should reflect our commitment to Him.

Reflect on how you can honor God with your body. Are there habits or practices that need to change? How can you better care for the body He has entrusted to you?

Spend time in prayer, asking God for wisdom and strength to honor Him with both your body and soul. Commit to making choices that reflect your belonging to Him.

Today's prayer of illumination:

Heavenly Father, open our hearts to embrace the truth that we belong to Jesus, body and soul. Help us live each day in the peace and security of His love, honoring Him in all we do. Guide us to trust in His faithful care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Memorization Challenge of the Month:

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1

Q1. What is your only comfort in life and in death?

A1. That I am not my own, but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.