Have you ever looked in the mirror and immediately started cataloging everything you’d like to change? You’re not alone! Most of us have had those moments where we wonder if God was having an off day when He made us. But here’s the truth that might surprise you: learning to love your body as God’s divine creation isn’t just about feeling good about yourself. It’s about honoring the masterpiece that the Creator intentionally designed.
You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Let’s start with one of the most beautiful verses about how God sees us:
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:14)
When David wrote these words, he wasn’t talking about having perfect abs or flawless skin. He was marveling at the incredible complexity and beauty of how God designed human beings. The word “fearfully” here doesn’t mean scary – it means with reverence and awe. You were made with the same care and attention that God put into creating mountains and sunsets.
Think about it this way: if someone gave you a handmade gift that took months to create, you’d treasure it, right? Well, God spent way more than months on you. He’s been working on your design since before the foundation of the world!
Made in His Image (Yes, Really!)
Here’s where it gets really amazing:
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27)
This verse tells us something incredible about loving your body as God’s divine creation. You literally carry the image of God. Now, I’m not saying God has your exact nose or your particular freckle pattern (though wouldn’t that be something?). Being made in God’s image means you reflect His character, creativity, and love in unique ways.
Every time you show kindness, create something beautiful, or love someone well, you’re displaying God’s image through the body He gave you. That’s pretty spectacular when you think about it!
Your Body Is a Temple (Not a Fixer-Upper)
Paul reminds us of something important about our physical selves:
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Now, some people use this verse to make us feel guilty about every cookie we eat or every workout we skip. But let’s think about what this really means for loving your body as God’s divine creation. Temples aren’t built to be torn down and rebuilt constantly. They’re built to be honored, cared for, and appreciated for their beauty.
God chose your body specifically to be His dwelling place. He didn’t say, “Well, I guess this will have to do until something better comes along.” He said, “This is perfect for My purposes.”
Taking Care of God’s Masterpiece
This doesn’t mean we throw health and self-care out the window. Just like you’d maintain a beautiful building, we should take care of our bodies. But there’s a difference between maintenance and constant renovation projects.
Here are some ways to care for your body that honor God’s design:
Nourish it well. Eat foods that give you energy and make you feel good. Yes, that can include cake sometimes. God invented taste buds for a reason!
Move it joyfully. Find ways to be active that you actually enjoy. Dancing in your kitchen counts. So does chasing your kids around the yard. If you’re looking for gentle ways to get moving, yoga can be a wonderful way to connect with God while caring for your body. I love using a good yoga mat that provides comfort and stability for both prayer time and gentle stretching.
Rest it properly. Even God rested on the seventh day. Your body needs sleep and downtime to function well. Creating a peaceful sleep environment can really help you get the rest God designed your body to need. A comfortable pillow that supports good sleep can make such a difference in how you feel each day.
Speak kindly about it. This might be the hardest one, but try talking about your body the way you’d talk about something precious that belongs to someone you love. One thing that’s helped me in this journey is keeping a gratitude journal specifically for my body. Writing down what I’m thankful for each day helps shift my focus from criticism to appreciation. A beautiful journal can make this practice feel more special and help you stay consistent with it.
A guided journal with prompts and practices
Or
A nice, simple journal for writing your own thoughts and feelings
Either one, or a similar one you like can be a wonderful tool!
When the Mirror Lies
Some days, looking in the mirror feels like facing a very unfriendly critic. On those days, remember this truth:
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
God’s opinion of you isn’t based on whether you’re having a good hair day or if your pants fit the same way they did five years ago. He looks at your heart, your character, and your love for Him and others.
The mirror shows you one moment in time, often in unflattering bathroom lighting. God sees the whole beautiful picture of who you are and who you’re becoming.
Practical Steps to Love Your Body as God’s Divine Creation
Start your day with gratitude. Before you even look in the mirror, thank God for three things your body will help you do that day. Maybe it’s hugging your family, making coffee, or simply breathing without thinking about it.
Replace criticism with wonder. Instead of “I hate my thighs,” try “It’s amazing how my legs carry me through life.” It feels weird at first, but stick with it.
Remember your body’s resume. Your body has gotten you through every difficult day you’ve ever had. It’s learned new skills, healed from injuries, and adapted to countless changes. That’s pretty impressive!
Focus on function over form. Celebrate what your body can do rather than just how it looks. Can you give great hugs? Make beautiful music? Garden? Cook? These are all ways your body serves God and others.
The Bottom Line
Learning to love your body as God’s divine creation isn’t about becoming prideful or ignoring areas where you want to grow. It’s about seeing yourself through God’s eyes and treating His creation with the respect and care it deserves.
God didn’t make a mistake when He made you. He didn’t run out of good materials or get distracted halfway through. You are intentionally and lovingly designed by the Creator of the universe, and that makes you pretty amazing just as you are.
The next time you’re tempted to be harsh with yourself about your appearance, remember: you’re critiquing God’s artwork. And frankly, I think His taste is pretty good. After all, He made sunrises, puppies, and chocolate. The man clearly knows what He’s doing.
So go ahead, look in that mirror and see what God sees: His beloved child, fearfully and wonderfully made, carrying His image into the world. That’s something worth celebrating, don’t you think?
Learning to Love Your Body as God’s Divine Creation – A Short Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating our bodies in Your image, fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to see myself through Your eyes and not through the world’s lens. Give me strength and wisdom to care for my body as Your temple, honoring You in how I treat it. Teach me to speak kindly to myself, with the same grace You extend to me, and to accept who I am as Your beloved child. Lord, let my body and my life be used to serve You and bless others, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.
Thanks for sitting with me!
God bless you
-Courtney
If you enjoyed this post, Love Your Body as God’s Divine Creation, consider checking out some of my others
Struggling with mental health, need food, etc? Check out these resources
Leave a Reply