Body, Soul, and Spirit: God’s Design for Healing
- John D McLaughlin
- Sep 27
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 hours ago
A three-strand cord is strong, but if one strand frays, the whole cord is weakened.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
God designed us in a similar way — body, soul, and spirit woven together. Each part is distinct, yet inseparably connected. When one part is neglected or wounded, the whole person feels the effect.
This truth shows up in the way trauma impacts us. We may notice physical pain, emotional heaviness, or spiritual dryness, but rarely is the problem confined to just one area. And just like fascia, the body’s continuous web of connective tissue, our whole being responds to the state of each part. Let’s look at how God designed each strand of our being, and how His order for healing restores all three.
The Body — Where Trauma Is Stored Physically
Our bodies are called “earthly tents” (2 Corinthians 5:1) — temporary yet valuable homes for our spirit and soul. Because of the fall, they are subject to weakness, pain, and decay (Romans 8:22–23).
Fascia, the continuous, living web surrounding every muscle, bone, organ, and nerve plays a major role in how our body moves and holds tension. When trauma strikes, whether physical or emotional, the body often contracts to protect itself. If that tension is never released, the fascia can stay tight for years, binding movement and perpetuating discomfort long after the original event.
David cried in Psalm 6:2, “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.” His words show the physical manifestation of inner distress.
We can release restriction through intentional care like stretching, myofascial release and movement, but physical freedom is deeper and more lasting when paired with renewal of the soul and spirit.
The Soul — Where Trauma Shapes Thought and Emotion
The soul is the seat of our mind, will, and emotions. It is where we process experiences, choose responses, and feel deeply.
The psalmist speaks honestly in Psalm 42:5:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…”
When the soul is weighed down by fear, grief, or hopelessness, the nervous system stays on high alert. Because fascia is directly connected to the nervous system, prolonged emotional strain can keep the body tense and guarded.
Romans 12:2 calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As the soul aligns with God’s truth, the body often responds with release — breathing eases, posture opens, movement becomes freer.
The Spirit — Where True Healing Begins
Without Christ, our spirit is “dead in transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Salvation brings new life: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you” (Ezekiel 36:26).
The Holy Spirit becomes our source of peace, strength, and transformation.
True restoration must begin here. If we focus only on body and soul without spiritual renewal, healing will be partial and temporary.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 shows God’s heart for wholeness: “May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” His order is clear — spirit first, then soul, then body.
Fascia as a Picture of Unity
Fascia is continuous, all encompassing and uninterrupted, no part is isolated. Tension in one area affects the whole system. It responds to stress, adapts to trauma, and releases when the environment is safe.
Our design works the same way:
Spirit — Made alive through Christ.
Soul — Renewed through God’s truth.
Body — Cared for and released from restriction.
Neglecting one part affects the others. Stewarding all three in God’s order creates the conditions for lasting healing.
God’s Order for Healing
Spirit First — Made alive in Christ
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Salvation is the foundation for lasting transformation.
Soul Renewed — Mind, will, and emotions aligned with truth
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Replacing lies, fear, and bitterness with hope and God’s promises shifts the soul toward peace.
Body Released — Caring for the temple of God
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
Movement, hydration, rest, and fascia release are acts of worship and stewardship, not vanity.
Practical Steps Toward Wholeness
Spirit Check-In: Have you received Christ as Savior? Are you yielding daily to His will? (John 3:5; Proverbs 3:5–6)
Soul Inventory: What thought patterns keep your body tense? Are you rehearsing hurt or rehearsing truth? (Philippians 4:8)
Body Care: Stretch and move intentionally. Hydrate and rest. Notice areas of chronic guarding. (Proverbs 3:7–8)
Final Encouragement
God’s design is not compartmentalized living, it is wholeness. He desires all three strands of your being woven together and strengthened by His Spirit.
Psalm 103:2–5 declares:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases… who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Healing is His work. Wholeness is His design. And when spirit, soul, and body are aligned in Him, the cord will not quickly break.
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