Daily Devotional: Your Body Is A Temple

 

Hey fabulous friends! Welcome back! Today, we're diving into the daily devotional, sharing a quick uplifting thought to brighten your day.  Take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 in your preferred Bible translation. If you’re pressed for time, read the passage below and reflect on what stands out to you:

Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? Don’t you know that you have the Holy Spirit from God, and you don’t belong to yourselves? You have been bought and paid for, so honour God with your body.

This passage is often misused to control LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and anyone seeking sexual or bodily autonomy. Phrases like “Your body is a temple, don’t transition,” “Your body is a temple, don’t have sex,” or “Your body is a temple, it is not your own” are common misinterpretations.

Let’s flip that narrative:

Your body is a temple, be grateful for it.

Your body is a temple, take care of it.

Your body is a temple, worship with it.

Your body is a temple, enjoy it.

At the start of this section, the writer states, “I have the freedom to do anything.” How often do we hear that?

In Christ, we have freedom. This doesn’t mean our actions lack consequences, as the verse continues, “but not everything is helpful.”

What is helpful for you?

Are hormones, surgery, or new clothes helpful for you? Do that.

Is masturbation helpful for you? Do that.

Is sex helpful for you? Do that.

This passage also addresses sexual immorality, not as a strict list of dos and don’ts, but as anything that separates us from each other and from God. Remember, “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

When it comes to sexuality, love your neighbour, your spouse, your lover, or even the person you just met online as yourself.

The passage speaks of two becoming one flesh, saying, “Don’t you know that anyone who is joined to someone who is sleeping around is one body with that person? The scripture says, The two will become one flesh.”

This idea extends beyond physical sex. Intimacy, whether through sex, love, or both, leaves lasting impressions on us. We carry pieces of our partners with us, shaping who we are. So, it’s essential to choose intimacy with those who will honour and respect our bodies as temples.

Reflection Questions:

In what ways have you neglected your body?

How can you honour your body more?

Who are some people you still carry in your heart? What did you learn from them? What do they add to your life — and thus the body of Christ?

Practical Exercises:

Write a letter of gratitude to someone you’ve been intimate with (you don’t need to send it, but you can).

Start each morning with mantras affirming the goodness of yourself and your body. Need inspiration? Check out queertheology.com/morning-mantras.

Your body is a temple. Embrace it, honour it, and let it be a reflection of divine love.

That wraps up today's devotional session! I trust this message has infused your day with positivity. If it connected with you, please show your support by liking this video and subscribing for more inspiring content. Thank you for being here today, and always celebrate your individuality! Stay well and keep a positive outlook until next time!

Footnotes:

Source: Kearns, S., & Murphy, B. (2020). "Queers the Word" - (Adapted for reflection of Glorify God in Body and Spirit). Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Image Title: "Temple of Being" Source: Midjourney’s image generation model.

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