by leaps and bounds

When we talk about our faith, we often focus on the comfort it brings us in a chaotic world and the peace of experiencing God’s love. We talk about how meaningful it is to be part of a faith community where we can serve others and be cared for in our times of need.

However, there’s another component of faith that you might not have seen as much talk about. That’s your physical health.

Studies have shown that statistically, people live longer if they have a robust, active involvement in a relationship with Jesus and a Church community. Over 75% of studies that have looked at faith and longevity have found a connection between the length of one’s life and faith.

In addition, the risk of developing cancer is lower in individuals who have faith as part of their life, but also, their prognosis is likely to have a better outcome if they do get cancer.

Faith can positively affect your physical health by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices and behaviors. Many religious teachings promote healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and healthy eating. People can find inspiration from religion to make positive life changes.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

Faith practices such as prayer and gratitude can positively impact health by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving mood. Prayer can help you to develop a sense of inner peace and to find a sense of balance and calm in your life.

Prayer has been shown scientifically to boost your immune system by reducing pain and stabilizing your heart rate and blood pressure. Researchers have established these changes through monitoring and blood testing with patients who engage in prayer.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. III John 1:2 (ESV)

Another way faith can impact health is through the sense of community and social support it provides. People involved in religious communities tend to have more robust social networks and higher levels of social support. This can be beneficial for both mental and physical health, as social support can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and help in times of need. 

If you have a faith community, you may already be experiencing this type of health improvement due to those relationships. Relationships of this type are supportive, loving, and strong. 

Your physical, emotional, and spiritual life all impact each other. Make time to work on your spiritual disciplines and practices, commit to a community of faith, and it will improve your overall health and outlook.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Thessalonians 5:23 NASB

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Danielle “Danie” Gunto is the author of the Mind, Body & Soul blog. Danie has been a Registered Nurse since 2004. However, she never felt like she was doing what she was called to do. That was until a few years ago when she became an active member of the Church, and it soon became evident what her true calling was.

Although she had spent very little time in Church growing up, within minutes of walking into the Refuge, she knew that was the missing piece of her life. Since that day, Danie has become a Pastor and is the Executive Pastor at the Refuge Church of God in New Martinsville, WV.

In addition to her work at the Refuge, Danie works at the local community hospital as the Infection Prevention/Employee Health/Emergency Management Coordinator. Although her goal is to one day only work at the Church.

Danie lives with her husband, Glen, and their cat Libbie in Proctor, WV. They have one grown daughter Cheyenne who is a Nurse Practitioner and lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.

She loves to read, write, spend time with family and friends, talk about the Lord, and sip coffee.
Her inspiration is to share the gospel with everyone she can so that they may know Jesus and who they are in him.