I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice—holy, acceptable to God—which is your spiritual service. Romans 12:1, TLV
Stumbling Verses. Context is so relevant in today’s verse—surprise, surprise. For a long time, this passage was one of my stumbling verses. You know, where you feel so convicted and guilty because you can’t live up to the command or edict?
I thought this verse was about a healthy body — lean, trim, athletic — and because I wasn’t as such I was therefore “unholy” and “unacceptable” to God. Thank the good LORD, that’s not the meaning.
There are verses that talk about taking care of our body, but actually, this verse introduces a beautiful and practical teaching on service to our brothers and sisters in Messiah. It also broadens Yeshua’s message about the loving and compassionate way to treat our “enemies.”
Rather the verse is more along the lines of: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For by doing so you will heap coals of fire upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:20-21, TLV [Based on Proverbs 25:20-21]
Bodies are mentioned because we use our hands and feet, and a good amount of energy to perform these acts of spiritual service. 
Things like:
- Serving one another
- Hospitality
- Feeding others, even our enemies
Having a healthy body makes it easier to serve others, but I’ve witnessed women in wheelchairs and other disabilities do wonderous things for the LORD.
So, I guess I’m giving myself a break on this one. Diets and exercise, while helpful to this chapter, are not the purpose.
Just a heart of service. <3
Whew!
