Why Your Inner Well-Being Matters Just As Much As Your Physical Health
If you switch on the TV or scroll through your phone, it feels like everyone is talking about diet plans, workouts, or the latest health craze. And while taking care of our bodies is important, there’s another side to our health that doesn’t always get as much attention: the health of our soul.
You might ask, “What does it mean to have a healthy soul?” Or, “Why should I care about my inner life when I’m busy enough taking care of my physical needs?” The answer is both timeless and practical—and it’s summed up beautifully in a short verse from the Bible: 3 John 1:2.
Here’s what it says:
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
This small verse packs a big idea. It’s about wishing good things for someone—not just that their body stays healthy or that things go well for them on the outside, but that their soul, their inner self, truly thrives. Let’s break down why this matters to all of us.
Why the Soul Is So Important
At its core, your soul is who you really are on the inside. It’s the place where your hopes, fears, dreams, and values live. When your soul is doing well—when you feel at peace, full of hope, able to love and forgive—it spills over into the rest of your life.
Think of your soul as the roots of a tree. You can water the leaves and the trunk, but if the roots are unhealthy, the whole tree suffers. In the same way, if your soul is neglected, even a strong body or a successful life can feel empty.
How Spiritual and Physical Health Are Connected
3 John 1:2 doesn’t split health into separate boxes. It’s not “body first, then soul,” or the other way around. Instead, it sees physical and spiritual health as going hand in hand. If your soul is weighed down by worry, anger, or emptiness, it can drain your energy and affect your body. On the flip side, when your soul is full—when you have gratitude, purpose, and peace—it gives you strength to handle life’s ups and downs.
What Does It Look Like to Have a Healthy Soul?
· You know who you are and what matters to you, not just what others think.
· You find meaning and joy even when things don’t go your way.
· You’re able to forgive, show kindness, and build positive relationships.
· You feel at peace, even when life gets noisy or stressful.
Why Start With Your Soul?
Sometimes we think that if we finally get that promotion or reach a fitness goal, happiness will follow. But many people have “everything” on the outside and still feel empty inside. The truth is, lasting happiness starts in the soul.
A healthy soul helps us:
· Handle tough times with hope and courage
· Build stronger, kinder relationships
· Stay generous and thankful, no matter what we have
· Live with purpose and integrity
Simple Ways to Care for Your Soul
You don’t need fancy routines or special tools to nurture your soul. Here are some steps anyone can take:
· Practice gratitude: Take a moment each day to notice and give thanks for the good things, no matter how small.
· Forgive others—and yourself: Holding onto grudges makes your soul heavy. Letting go brings freedom.
· Take time for quiet and reflection: Step away from screens and noise. Pray, meditate, or simply sit in silence. Let verses like 3 John 1:2 encourage you.
· Help others: Small acts of kindness—at home, work, or in your community—refresh the soul.
· Surround yourself with what is good and beautiful: Listen to uplifting music, enjoy nature, or read something inspiring.
· Stay humble and open: Remember, none of us have it all figured out. Depend on God’s love and grace, not just your own strength.
What Happens When the Soul Thrives?
When we take care of our soul, the benefits spill over into every part of life. We become more peaceful, patient, and generous. Our bodies may get tired, but our spirits find new energy. And even when things don’t go as planned, we’re anchored by something deeper than circumstances.
3 John 1:2 reminds us that true health isn’t just about what’s on the outside. It’s about the prosperity of the soul—having an inner life that’s alive, hopeful, and connected to God and others.
Encouragement for Everyday Life
Maybe today you’re feeling run-down or overwhelmed. That’s okay. Remember that taking care of your soul is just as important as taking care of your body. Let this be an invitation to slow down, reflect, and ask, “How is my soul doing?”
Pray not only for your own health and success, but also for a healthy, flourishing soul. When you do, you’ll find strength, joy, and peace that no circumstance can take away.
In a world captivated by fleeting appearances and the clamor of the external, let us choose a different path. May we be those who seek what endures beyond the surface—who tend, above all, to the well-being of the soul. For while the outside world changes with every passing trend, it is the quiet strength within that carries us through and offers lasting peace. Let us nurture what truly matters and, in doing so, become people defined not by what is seen, but by the depth and resilience of our inner lives.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 