Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual

Humans are complex. God has designed the various facets of man to intertwine. The physical affects the emotional, and the emotional affects the physical. Likewise, both aspects can have an effect on the spiritual, and vice versa.

It makes sense that what happens in the internal is reflected in the external. "A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken" (Proverbs 15:13). Some people are better than others at physically masking the emotional or spiritual highs and lows, but observers, especially close friends, can generally tell by viewing the external when something is wrong (or very right) internally.

The link between internal and external is more than just a matter of external revelation, however. Internal problems can actually cause physical problems, while non-physical prosperity can translate to actual physical health. "A tranquil heart is life to the body, but passion [jealousy, envy] is rottenness to the bones" (Proverbs 14:30). "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 17:22).

When Eli learned that his two sons were dead and that the ark of God had been captured, he "fell off the seat backward beside the gate, and his neck was broken and he died" (I Samuel 4:18). Something in the emotional shock was too difficult for Eli's old and weakened body to handle.

Nabal was having a great feast and his "heart was merry within him" (I Samuel 25: 36), apparently healthy and emotionally prospering. The next morning his wife told him that she had taken a gift of food, against his wishes, to David and his men. This news had such an impact on him, perhaps in rage, that "his heart died within him so that he became as a stone" (v. 37) and he died ten days later. Even a man in his prime was adversely affected physically by an emotional shock.

Job was an extremely healthy man spiritually (Job 1:8). His spiritual health carried him through some devastating emotional losses (Job 1:13-22). When Job's health was destroyed, however, Job was weakened. He still maintained a level of spiritual integrity, but there is no doubt that his emotions went through an intense battle and even his spiritual health was threatened.

Elijah was another man who was spiritually strong. He saw a tremendous victory (I Kings 18), but then emotional threat and physical weakness led to an intense emotional low (I Kings 19) in which he even wanted to die (v. 4). God strengthened Elijah's spirit by ministering to his body with food and sleep.

The interplay of physical, emotional, and spiritual is too complex for man to fully understand. Doctors have learned that mental health and physical health can be very connected. Sometimes a medical doctor, by treating physical conditions, can remedy emotional conditions that a psychiatrist has been unable to solve. Other times physical symptoms disappear when a mental health need has been successfully addressed. In some cases, "mental" health is truly spiritual health, and a step of spiritual maturity ends up correcting both emotional and physical problems.

The difficulty in addressing these related components of man is that even the best doctors, psychiatrists, and pastors cannot always discern the root of the problem. Depression, for example, can be a purely spiritual issue, caused by unbiblical thinking patterns. On the other hand, depression, can be caused by physical injury or disease (often undiagnosed), including conditions that happen primarily in the brain. Any of these manifestations of depression can cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue and pain. Conversely, a compromised physical condition can leave someone particularly vulnerable to depression that does not have a specific physical trigger.

So which causes which? Are the physical factors the result of spiritual factors? Are the emotional problems the result of physical problems? For each individual, there is an answer, but that answer will vary from case to case. For some people, the answer will not be clear-cut. That is, the emotional problems might be 70% caused by physical deficiencies, but the other 30% could be an inadequate spiritual response. Since there often can be no definitive answers, a few conclusions must suffice.

First, the emotional life matters. There are ways to seek joy and peace. There are ways to share love. People who seek healthy emotions will have a resultant benefit to their spirit and to their body. Those who are frequently angry or bitter, on the other hand, will damage their spiritual and physical health. If there are emotional issues, the person should seek God's guidance to discern any contributing spiritual issues and the help of a doctor to discover underlying physical issues.

Second, the spiritual life matters. Many emotional issues (joy, bitterness, anger, etc.) are actually spiritual issues. Putting on the fruit of the spirit will bring emotional and physical benefit, while living according to fleshly passions will do the opposite. Being spiritually healthy through a strong relationship with God and a firm biblical foundation will help someone to weather emotional battles and can even contribute to physical well-being.

Third, the physical life matters. Because a weakened physical condition opens the door to emotional and spiritual struggles, it is important to maintain the body. Christians should attempt to eat properly. They should get proper rest. They should exercise. They should avoid habits and activities that are harmful or especially demanding on the body.

The various facets of the human person do work together, and all are important. As a Christian endeavors to maintain good health in each individual area, the other areas will be strengthened as well. When God ordains that one area is weak, He can give grace not only for that aspect, but also for the other affected aspects.

"Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers" (III John 1:2).