Written by Kass Ferm on 11 January 2025
Looking back on my life, I'm continually struck by how powerful faith can be. Last year, I started an essential spiritual journey by following Jesus Christ, which led to my baptism at Kahaila Church in London. This experience wasn’t just a big moment for me; it was a way of saying that I want to fully embrace God's plan for my life, including how I approach food and health.
Kahaila: My Church Community in London
Before I began exploring my faith, I was committed to a vegan lifestyle for three years. I thought I was making the healthiest choices for myself and the planet, so I focused a lot on researching how different foods affect our well-being, especially our mental and physical health. But despite my dedication to health, I felt increasingly isolated as I pursued what I thought was a perfect diet.
As I delved deeper into the teachings of the Bible and sought a closer relationship with God, I began to see food in a new light—one that honours Him. I understood that my intense focus on my diet had often pushed me away from the community and the joy of sharing meals with others. It was humbling to realize that I had placed my health goals above the simple pleasures of gratitude and fellowship, which are vital parts of a Christian life.
Art Inspired by Jesus Feasting with Sinners
In 1 Timothy 4:4-5, we read, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” This verse has taken on a new depth for me. It emphasizes that God’s provisions for humanity—whole foods grown naturally with care—are worthy of gratitude. I became increasingly aware that our divine Creator intended us to nourish our bodies with the bounty of His creation. Genesis 1:29 succinctly states, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed... to you, it shall be for meat.” Those words echo with divine authority and reveal a loving Father who provides abundantly.
Scott J. Shifferd, in his insightful blog “A Christian Diet: Eat Foods that God Created,” eloquently articulates that “God commands the faithful to eat whole foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving” (Shifferd). His perspective resonates profoundly with my transformation. I began to understand that many health problems we face today might be linked to processed foods that stray far from God’s original design. These revelations created a desire within me to align my eating choices with God’s gifts, to consume foods that are good for me and reflect gratitude and reverence for the Creator.
Through my exploration of Scripture, I learned that health is not something we can achieve through sheer willpower; it is a gift of grace. 1 Corinthians 10:31 challenges us, saying, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” I found solace in the understanding that every meal could serve as an act of worship. Instead of viewing each bite as a burden of health consciousness, I could embrace it as a sacred opportunity to honour God and appreciate the sustenance He provides. Inviting God into my meals has been transformative; it’s more than just physical nourishment; it’s an act of gratitude and love.
Moderation became another pillar of my health journey—one supported by the wisdom of Scripture. Proverbs 25:16 gently admonishes us: “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” This imagery reminds me that even good things can become detrimental when consumed in excess. I learned to listen to my body, understanding that it is a gift from God—my temple. I began to practice mindful eating, consuming foods that nurture my body while being grateful for the ability to enjoy them, acknowledging that everything I have comes from God’s abundant grace.
Whole Foods Eaten in Moderation
Fellowship around the table has been redefined for me. Acts 2:46 encapsulates the beauty of sharing meals: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” As I began prioritizing meals with friends and family, I realized this was not just about the food but the relationships we cultivated. Meals became a time to connect, share our lives, and celebrate God's goodness. This communal aspect of eating reaffirms our bonds and nurtures our spirits—an essential reminder that we are never meant to walk alone.
In addition to the physical act of eating, I recognized that caring for my health translates into a spiritual responsibility. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 vibrantly reminds us, “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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” This passage speaks to the sacredness of our existence; our health should reflect our gratitude for God’s creation. Seeing my body as a temple urges me to nourish it well and exercise and engage in activities that promote well-being.
As I embrace this journey, I cannot overlook the concept of moderation in all things, including the consumption of alcohol. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against overindulgence: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Alcohol, when consumed in moderation, can be enjoyed, but it's crucial to remember that overindulgence leads to spiritual and physical detriment. My mission is not to live in fear of these elements but to honour God through my choices and find joy in moderation.
The beauty of this journey is that it encourages us to consider the impact of our choices on those around us, reinforcing community values and respect for others. Romans 14:21 teaches us, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” Our decisions should be guided by love for our neighbours, ensuring our actions uplift and inspire rather than wound.
Communion: Eating His Flesh and Breaking Bread
As I progress on my faith journey, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and clarity in managing my health and well-being. I realize that my identity isn't defined by a specific label or a strict diet; it's more about my relationship with Jesus Christ. I'm learning to appreciate every small victory I achieve in my health journey, seeing it as part of my spiritual practice.
The way we eat and share meals should express our love for God and celebrate His creations. I encourage everyone to consider their relationship with food: Are we inviting God into our meals? Are we gratefully appreciating the gifts He has given us? Are we taking care of ourselves in a way that honours Him?
Let our food choices be a small part of our testimony, reflecting our deep thankfulness for our Lord and Savior. Each bite can be an opportunity to honour Him, build community, and appreciate our many blessings. Let’s care for our bodies and spirits, living fully in His grace and love.
Shifferd, Scott J. "A Christian Diet: Eat Foods that God Created." God's Breath, 16 July 2022,
https://godsbreath.net/2022/07/16/christian-diet.
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