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 here. This verse is one of my stumbling verses. You know, where you feel so convicted and guilty that you can’t seem to get past it? I thought this verse was about a healthy body — lean, trim, athletic — and that not being as such was “unholy” and “unacceptable” to God. Thank the good LORD, it isn’t.

There are verses that talk about taking care of our body, but 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, “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 do these services to 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. Whew!