From Body Shame to Body Acceptance

This post is all about body acceptance. These are the terms and concepts that every Christian woman with body image issues needs to know about.

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What does body acceptance really mean for you as a Christian woman? 

When you struggle with body image issues — body acceptance is one of those things that seem soooo unattainable, right?

There’s been an uproar of movements for body acceptance, body neutrality, and body positivity.

And different people have different opinions… But you’re about to learn the Christian perspective on all of these body image-related trendy words 😊.

The goal of this blog post is to guide you to the throne of grace gently… where your debilitating insecurities fade and your journey to freedom begins! 
This post is all about body acceptance and vital insights that every Christian woman with body image issues needs to know.

A Christian Perspective on Body Acceptance

In a world of comparisons, unattainable societal standards, and diet culture’s harsh expectations…

Body acceptance, unfortunately, is not something that comes naturally — even to believers! Accepting your body “as it is” may seem like a distant dream… 

You’re subtly inundated with and fed lies…

TV, social media, friends, and even family — glorify the skinny and fit. They insinuate that your body is not good because it doesn’t look like “the beauty ideal.”

And if you’re anything like me — not skinny or fit — then you feel body shame.

Sadly, we replace body acceptance with body shaming…

Shame is from the enemy of your soul — conviction is from the Lover of your soul.

wanda 💖

Why? Because that’s what we’ve been taught to do.

So…

What Exactly Does Body Acceptance Mean?

What does body acceptance truly mean, and how can you build it within yourself? 

(we’ll get to the ‘how’ part further down… 😉)

Body acceptance definition 

Body acceptance is a concept that encourages you to embrace and accept your body as it is — without judgment or criticism.

It involves recognizing and appreciating the uniqueness and beauty of your body…

Regardless of ridiculous societal standards or diet culture’s harsh expectations.

Body acceptance emphasizes self-compassion, grace, kindness, and love.

In other words, it’s about accepting your body, even if you’re not completely satisfied with it.

And here’s why you’ll want to consider praying about body acceptance…

What is the Goal of Body Acceptance?

The short answer is FREEDOM!

Accepting your body, even if you’re not completely satisfied with it, can help you become free from that negative body image trap.

And I know for a fact for some of us that freedom would be

• The ultimate gift
• A deep sigh of relief
• A blessing
• A breakthrough
• The confidence to excel in all aspects of life…

You see, as a Christian woman, you know you’re a daughter of God, right?

You were created in His image — for His honor and glory.

You were created to worship…

And part of worshipping is gratitude — to be grateful for the gift of life and the physical vessel you’ve been given. 

Accepting your body is an act of worship AND love.

Now, I’m not suggesting that you should excessively focus on your physical self… Thinking about your body — good or bad — can lead to body image idolatry.

Instead, the idea is to accept yourself — allowing your spiritual transformation to flourish — without the heavy burden of your body image.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:18

The goal of body acceptance is to believe (not feel) that your body is good because God says so. It’s to place God’s truth over your opinion 💖.

It’s not about praising (idolizing) your body or joining the body positivity movement…

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Body Positivity

I’m sure you’ve heard all about the Body Positive Movement… But if you haven’t, that’s ok because you’re about to learn all about it 😊.

The term “body positivity” refers to a social movement in the mid-1960s…

But maybe you’re more familiar with it as it became an oh-so-popular Instagram hashtag…

Body positivity encourages you to love and celebrate your body — no matter what it looks like or what it can do.

And yes, you’re meant to be confident, bold, and beautiful…

Because you are beautifully unique. A one-of-a-kind Master’s piece.

I know loving your body might seem even more unattainable than body acceptance… 

Honestly, the Bible doesn’t explicitly say to love yourself…
But you can absolutely admire God’s incredible design — every intricacy and nuance — be in awe of who He is. Show respect and care for the vessel He entrusted you with.

But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’

1 Samuel 16:7

So be encouraged — embrace your uniqueness and stand confidently in your daughtership — celebrating WHOSE you are.

Remember, it’s a heart matter, a posture of humility (not pride). Recognizing that you are made by Him and for Him.
God wants you to worship the gift giver, not the gift. You see, my friend, your physical traits are His creation, so if there’s any praise to be given — all praise belongs to Him 🙌.

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Body Acceptance vs. Body Positivity

So what is the difference between body acceptance and body positivity?

Body Acceptance

Encourages you to acknowledge the features you may not be completely satisfied with. And to embrace your body with love and gratitude, free from judgment and criticism, for spiritual transformation and ultimate freedom.

• Aligns with your Christian faith.

Body Positivity

Encourages you to love your body no matter what it looks like or what it does. Fosters a sense of self-worth and praise.

• If you’re not careful, your body can become your idol. You may easily become prideful and place all of the focus and praise on you…

Maybe you’re not at the “accepting, embracing, liking, or loving” stage… And that’s perfectly ok!

Your journey is as unique as you are 😉

For now, ask God to help you believe you are good (as He says you are) and to feel neutral toward your body’s appearance…

Body Neutrality

Have you heard of body neutrality? It’s a pretty new term and honestly, I kinda like it!

And here’s why…

If you struggle with a negative body image, body neutrality is one baby step toward accepting your body.

You could say it’s neither a positive nor a negative thought toward your body.

Body neutrality encourages you to focus on how your body serves you — not on how it looks 💖.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

So that’s what you want to work on first — body neutrality. Practice gratitude for what your body allows you to do for the Kingdom. 

And if you’re comfortable here at body neutrality land — that’s fantastic — praise God!

But if the Holy Spirit is nudging you (convicting you) to keep working through some deeper issues, here are a few practical steps to get you to the next step — body acceptance…

5 Steps You Can Start Today to Help You Build Body Acceptance

First and foremost: BELIEVE you are who God says you are! Because there’s nothing you can do to make yourself better or worse before God. He sees you through the precious blood of Jesus. YOU ARE GOOD.

So go to the throne of grace and ask God to help you see yourself how He sees you. 

How Do You Build Body Acceptance: 5 Practical Steps

1. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself and treat yourself with the same grace and love you would offer to a dear friend. When negative thoughts about your body arise, replace them with affirming and compassionate words.

2. Believe…

Start each day believing that your value is your identity as a daughter of the most wonderful and amazing and powerful Father! Remind yourself that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, a unique masterpiece created by God.

3. Surround Yourself with Supportive Community

Seek out spiritually mature women. Engage in supportive conversations, attend church events or gatherings that promote body acceptance, and build a community that uplifts and encourages each other.

4. Purge Harmful Media

Be mindful of the media you consume, and avoid exposure to content that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards or promotes body shaming. Even ‘body-positive’ ones.

5. Focus on Health and Well-Being

Shift the focus from appearance to overall health and well-being. Engage in physical activities that bring you joy. Nourish your body with yummy God-given foods. And practice self-care. 

Remember that the purpose of your body is not for physical appearance (a.k.a. vanity) but for serving God and fulfilling your purpose in His kingdom.

How To Practice Body Acceptance

By incorporating these practical steps into your daily life, you can gradually build body acceptance.

Step 1: Embrace Your Beautiful Distinctions

Recognize and celebrate the non-physical — unique qualities that make you who you are. Understand that your body is a beautiful creation, made in God’s image, and be grateful for His love and grace.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

Step 2: Free Yourself from Body Shaming

Let go of negative thoughts, guilt, and body shaming. Embrace self-acceptance and self-love, free from the trap of vanity or excessive focus on physical appearance.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

Step 3: Value Body Positivity and Body Neutrality

Maintain a Christ-centered appreciation of your body. Avoid excessive focus on the physical self or neglect of spiritual growth.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Many times this verse is used out of context… and may lead to 

• Rule-based diets
• Restrictions
• Punishment
• Excessiveness

Steward your body well — regardless of how you feel about it.

Step 4: Seek Spiritual Transformation

Understand that body acceptance is part of a larger journey toward spiritual transformation. Address any feelings of inadequacy related to your appearance and allow God’s love and grace to set you free.

You can feel a certain way about your body but it doesn’t mean that it’s true. God says YOU ARE GOOD! As God to renew your mind…

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

Step 5: Stand in Awe of God’s Creation

Approach God with admiration and gratitude for His lavish and endless love. Recognize that body acceptance comes from embracing His love and not from anything you are or can do.

How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom, you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small.

Psalm 104:24-25

Remember, body acceptance is a journey of self-discovery and freedom, guided by God’s love and grace. Embrace your unique beauty and let go of judgment — knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

My dear friend, meditate on these verses and let God’s Word guide your journey of body acceptance and neutrality. You are valued in His eyes — loved just as you are. 

Embrace your uniqueness and His endless love for you 💖.

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Thank you for joining me on this journey. You are loved, precious, and wonderfully made.

Posted By: Wanda · In: Freebies