1 Thessalonians 3:12 May the Lord make your love grow more and multiply for each other.
Our body needs proteins to grow, build and repair tissues. Proteins are essentials for the metabolic reactions (function of the cells that change food into energy), coordination of our body’s functions and to provide our body a structural framework. Lack of protein can make us lose muscle mass. Hence protein builds muscles and balances bodily functions. Likewise, the protein that builds spiritual muscles and stabilises the mind-soul metabolism is “Love”. “ We are biologically, cognitively, physically and spiritually wired to love and not hate” – Brene Brown.
This is why Paul said to the Corinthians church, Do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). To build our physical and muscular strength, a balanced protein diet, vigorous exercise, and a disciplined work-life balance is inevitable. Similarly, to develop spiritual muscles, metabolism and strength, a good protein rich diet on the Word of God, regular exercise to ‘walk the talk’ and a disciplined prayer-life, social-life and spiritual-life are indispensable. Love is the protein that builds our spiritual muscles and a healthy soul.
Developing the spiritual muscle with a lifestyle loaded with a protein rich diet:
1. Metabolism: Love is the protein that energises righteous living. Selfless, unconditional love is the vitalizer in marriages, mates or ministry. If the “love protein” is blended into our conversations, consensus and coalitions, conflicts will end cordially. On the contrary, when hatred fuels an issue, doubt, anger and irritation will grow and waste away the relationship. Feeding on love not hatred will boost our spiritual metabolism and will aid in growth spurts to the muscles of our soul.
2. Muscle: As protein is the building block of our muscles, love shapes the spiritual structure of our soul. As biceps and triceps workouts build the arm muscles and squats build our leg muscles, hips and hamstrings, love shapes the structural framework of our soul. Jesus said, If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them (Luke 6:32). Hence Jesus puts us on a hard workout at the gym of life to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. Our arms, legs, hips, hamstrings, biceps and triceps of our soul will be shaped, strengthened and sculptured when we exercise love. .
3. Masculine: Bodybuilders need more protein to grow their muscle mass compared to an average person. The higher the intake of protein the faster the growth. Spiritual muscles have the same hunger for love as the body builders have for protein. Jude 1:2, NIV: “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.” Feeding on thoughts of goodness, forgiveness and kindness are protein intakes that will make the muscle of love masculine, tough and burly. As our body feeds on the food we eat, our soul feed on the thoughts we ruminate. So, snack, feast and sup on the protein of love.
The protein that builds our strong spiritual muscles is the protein of love. Have a protein shake of love three times a day, exercise your arms, legs and hamstrings and build the body mass of love by giving, sharing and forgiving.
Romans 12:9 Love must be sincere.
Prayer: Papa God, help me to feed on the protein of love, exercise love and build a masculine body mass of love. Help me to reject the junk fatty food of hatred, bitterness and unforgiveness and choose the healthy lifestyle of love. Amen
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