5 Gospel-Shaped Truths to Teach Your Kids about Their Bodies
Parenting
Audio By Carbonatix
5:00 AM on Thursday, September 18
By Laura Wifler, Parenting
Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of formal teaching on the body and how to think about it. Now with kids of my own, it’s something I find myself thinking about often. (So, like any normal mom, I wrote a picture book on it, Your Worth Never Wavers.) Ever since I wrote that manuscript, I’ve done even more thinking on body image and what principles I want to instill in my children as they grow.
In our home, we don’t have big, formal conversations about—well, anything really—instead it’s been less structured and more everyday. Mostly over breakfast, in the car, or when an unkind comment about themselves is made while sitting on the couch.
I want my children to have simple truths to fall back on, especially in the years when comparison will creep in and insecurities get loud.
So here are five gospel-shaped principles I’m working on teaching my kids. They’re not shared all at once, just woven into everyday moments. I hope these are helpful not only to your daughters and sons, but also to you.
Of course, use discretion as you consider what your child is developmentally ready for—especially when it comes to body awareness. Don’t plant thoughts that aren’t there yet. But as you listen and respond, may these words help shape the way you speak into their hearts
1. God Made Your Body Intentionally
“You are not an accident—God made you in his image, and He never makes mistakes.”*
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” - Psalm 139:14
Truth: Your design is unrepeatable. No one else has your exact fingerprints, voice, or presence—you are uniquely made to reflect your loving Creator. This means your strengths and weaknesses are not random. God uses both to shape character and dependence on Him. Your body has a purpose far beyond appearance. It was designed to serve, love, worship, and glorify God in daily life.
*If your child has a disability (or has questions about someone who does), here’s an article that might help: “Why Is She Like This?”
2. You Are Far More Than What You Look Like
“God cares more about your heart than your hairstyle.”
“…Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7
Truth: While culture might tell you that conventional beauty equates to value, the Bible teaches that you have inherent value because you were made after God’s own image. From scripture, we know God looks at your heart, which means that kindness, courage, and faith are more lasting and important than what you wear or how you look. The world celebrates trends, but God values a heart that loves Him and serves others.
3. Your Body Is a Gift to Steward, Not to Shame
“Because of the fall, your body will not be perfect. It will not always function properly or do what you want it to do, but you are still called to care for it to the glory of God.”
“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit... you were bought with a price.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Truth: Your body is a gift from God to steward. This means you have the opportunity to care for your body with rest, movement, and nourishment—not to fix it, but because this allows you to serve God and love others to the best of your ability. Where you feel weak or limited, you will find an invitation to dependence to rely not on your own strength but on God’s, shaping you in humility and hope. The same body you have now will one day be raised and made new in Heaven. This gives purpose to care for it now, while looking forward to the day it will be restored and perfected.
4. Jesus Understands What It Feels Like to Be Left Out or Judged
“Jesus understands hard emotions—feeling left out, embarrassed, or judged—and He will never turn you away when you come to him with your experiences and feelings.”
“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows... and we esteemed him not.” - Isaiah 53:3
Truths: Because of the fall, you will be misunderstood and judged. Jesus understands this; it happened to him, too. But this also means that you can bring all your feelings to Jesus, who can handle them. Nothing is too big (or small) for God. When you feel unsure or insecure, pause and tell God all of it. Then take time to look at nature and remember your place in this world—it will lift your eyes upward to remember your Creator with awe. We all sometimes feel insecure in certain parts of our bodies, but our feelings don’t change our worth.
5. Your Worth Never Wavers
Your body is not a measure of your value or worth. What makes you worthy is that you were made in the image of God, and that never changes or fades.
“Nothing can separate us from the love of God.” - Romans 8:39
Truth: Your value is rooted and secure because God declared your body good, and nothing can change that. Anchor your worth in God’s unchanging love, not in mirrors, media, or what other kids say. When you feel bad about your body because of what others have said, you can choose to believe what they say, or you can choose to believe what God says. Here is a truth to repeat: I’m made in God’s image; he knit me together. My worth never wavers–not now, and not ever.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Wavebreakmedia
Laura Wifler has authored multiple best-selling, award-winning books for children, including “Your Worth Never Wavers,” “Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer” and “Like Me,” and she is the co-author of the bestselling Risen Motherhood book. Laura is also the founder of The KidLit Lab, where she guides writers in crafting captivating children’s books and navigating the publishing process. She lives in central Iowa with her husband and three children. You can find her on Instagram @laurawifler, or at laurawifler.com.
