If you want to reach your health goals, you don't need more information. You need support from people who love God and want to see you live well.
My friend, a former soccer player, is training for her first half-marathon.
She’s no stranger to discipline and pushing her body toward a goal — but running 13.1 miles is a new kind of challenge. No time-outs. No halftime. No coach calling plays. Just her and the pavement.
So, she made a plan.
After browsing the internet for half-marathon plans, she decided to use ChatGPT, or artificial intelligence, to write a plan for her. It was free. It was quick. And she could personalize it to fit her irregular nursing schedule and other fitness goals.
She tells me the plan is going great. She has three run days, two strength conditioning days, and two rest days. Each week, she’s followed the plan and invited a friend to run along with her. Why?
For all the benefits of AI, ChatGPT can’t pull on running shoes and sweat it out on a 10-mile run with her. Even if it can cheer her on in an AI-generated voice of her choosing, there is nothing like running to the top of a hill with someone just as winded as you.
There’s simply no substitute for the presence of a real person when you’re doing something hard—or something new.
What AI Can Do & What AI Can't Do
AI is a helpful tool. But it’s not your coach, friend, or spiritual companion.
What AI Can Do
Suggest healthy meals based on your dietary needs |
Write a personalized strength training plan |
Recommend ways to increase protein intake |
Suggest movement breaks throughout your day |
Explain rest days and how to build endurance |
Provide information on cardiovascular health and muscle gain |
What AI Can't Do
Come to the gym with you |
Check in when you’ve gone quiet |
Ask heart-probing questions |
Empathize with your challenges and sin-struggles |
Share stories of trusting Jesus through trials |
Tell you how they see God working in your life |
Transformation Requires Community
Numerous studies confirm it: when we work toward a goal alongside someone else—whether a coach, mentor, or friend—we’re more likely to succeed.
But for Christians, it’s deeper than accountability or motivation.
True, Christlike transformation happens when we are known and loved by God and others.
In his book Anatomy of the Soul, Christian psychiatrist Curt Thompson writes:
“Being known. Our Western world has long emphasized knowledge—factual information and ‘proof’—over the process of being known by God and others…Yet it is only when we are known that we are positioned to become conduits of love. And it is love that transforms our minds, makes forgiveness possible, and weaves a community of disparate people into the tapestry of God’s family.”
Have you experienced this? The transformation that begins when you’re known by God—and by others?
Being known by others, just as we are known by God, is one of the ways He renews our body, mind, and soul in the image of Jesus.
We're Transformed by Being Known
This is, after all, the good news of Jesus, that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Our salvation isn’t based on our beauty, good deeds, or our strengths.
Our transformation from death to life follows the realization that we are fully known by God – our darkest thoughts, words, and deeds are not hidden from him. But in his mercy and love, he sent Jesus to take on our sin and shame, die on the cross, and reconcile us to God. By faith, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and welcomed into the family of God.
In Ephesians 4:22-24 Paul writes, “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
This transformation isn’t a solo journey.
Being known by others, just as we are known by God, is one of the ways He renews our body, mind, and soul in the image of Jesus.
5 Ways Christian Community Can Support You on Your Health Journey:
Here’s how real Christian community can walk with you toward Christlike transformation in both body and soul.
Accountability
“Two are better than one…For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak… but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
A Christian health coach or accountability partner notices when you don’t show up. They see your progress and gently call you back when you slip. They’re in it with you—not just watching from the sidelines.
Encouragement
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24–25
It’s hard to stay consistent. Whether you’re starting a workout routine, changing how you eat, or practicing Sabbath rest, encouragement from a brother or sister in Christ helps you press on when it gets hard.
Feedback & Confession
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Confession may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering your health goals. But sin affects everything, even the way we view our body and try to change it.
Have you ever started a diet because you wanted to look like someone else? Have you ever obsessed over your body because you wanted everyone to accept you?
By God’s grace, you don’t have to be stuck in your sin. You can confess your sin to a Christian health coach, accountability buddy, or spiritual mentor. They will remind you of the forgiveness Jesus bought for you on the cross. Then, they can help you determine health goals rooted in God’s good design for your body.
Restoration
“If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently… Carry each other’s burdens.” – Galatians 6:1–2
Maybe you quit what you started. Maybe you’re stuck in shame. Your community can help you turn back, gently and lovingly, and remind you of your identity in Christ.
Celebration
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” – Romans 12:15
God wired us for joy in community. Celebration matters. From reaching a fitness milestone to finding freedom from food shame—your faith-based fitness community can celebrate with you!
Find Your People Here
Wherever you are on your God-first health journey—don’t go it alone.
Link arms with a brother or sister in Christ and press forward together. Whether you need accountability, encouragement, truth, or joy, God uses community to shape you more and more into the image of Jesus.
Here are two invitations to get into real community with real Jesus-loving people today:
Health Summit
Whether you’re dealing with chronic illness, battling body image issues, or seeking greater clarity in your health journey, the Revelation Wellness Health Summit will provide hope and solutions grounded in faith.
Connection and Support: Connect with others on a similar health journey in a safe, encouraging space. With attendance limited to only 60, our smaller group size allows for deeper personal growth and connection.
RW+ Membership
RW+ brings together everything you need to honor God with your body, grow in faith, and find freedom and wholeness through Christ.
Support for Food and Body Image Addiction: Join a weekly support group for real, honest conversations around food and body struggles.
A Supportive Community: Connect with like-minded believers and trained leaders in a private space where you’ll find encouragement and guidance to stay focused, intentional, and hope-filled each month.
Gabrielle Wenos is the Content Coordinator at Revelation Wellness. She loves creating resources to help you strengthen your faith, your body, and your family.
