50 Bible Verses about My Body, My Choice

The phrase “My Body, My Choice” resonates deeply in the contemporary discourse around bodily autonomy and personal freedom. This concept, while modern in its expression, finds its echoes in the biblical narrative, which speaks profoundly about the sanctity and stewardship of the human body.

“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,” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19, reminding us of the divine responsibility we hold over our bodies.

In the Bible, we see a tapestry of teachings about the dignity, respect, and care for the human body. For instance, in the creation narrative, the human body is portrayed as a masterpiece of God’s creation, fashioned in His own image.

This perspective challenges us to view our bodies not just as personal possessions but as sacred trusts, endowed with purpose and worth. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” David exclaims in Psalm 139:14, a declaration of the marvel and respect for his own physical being.

Moreover, the biblical narrative does not shy away from the themes of choice and freedom concerning one’s body. Jesus’ teachings and actions repeatedly upheld the dignity and choice of individuals, often challenging the societal norms of His time. In the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), we see a powerful instance of a person taking a decisive step for her own bodily healing, a choice that Jesus commends for her faith.

In this compilation of 50 Bible verses about “My Body, My Choice,” we explore the complex interplay between divine sovereignty, personal freedom, and moral responsibility. These verses offer wisdom and insight into understanding our bodies as gifts from God, to be nurtured and respected, while also recognizing our freedom to make choices. As we reflect on these scriptures, may we find a balanced perspective that honors both our personal autonomy and our accountability to the higher principles of faith and stewardship.

Personal Autonomy – Respect for the Body

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“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.”

Romans 12:1

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”

Genesis 1:27

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

Psalm 139:14

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Personal Choice and Responsibility

Galatians 5:13

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

2 Corinthians 5:10

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”

Proverbs 14:12

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Deuteronomy 30:19-20

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.

James 4:17

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

Wisdom in Decision Making

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Proverbs 12:15

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”

Psalm 119:105

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Proverbs 2:6

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Stewardship of Health and Well-being

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

3 John 1:2

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.”

1 Timothy 4:8

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

Ecclesiastes 4:12

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Respect for Others’ Choices

Romans 14:1-4

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.

Matthew 7:1-2

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

1 Peter 3:8

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”

Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Galatians 6:2

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Freedom and Conscience

1 Corinthians 8:9

“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Romans 14:13

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

2 Corinthians 3:17

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

Galatians 5:1

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Acts 5:29

“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”

Humility and Understanding

Philippians 2:3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

James 3:17

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Colossians 3:12

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

1 Peter 4:8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Valuing Life and Dignity

Psalm 139:13-16

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Jeremiah 1:5

“‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.’”

Genesis 9:6

“Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”

Exodus 20:13

“You shall not murder.”

Proverbs 31:8-9

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

This collection of verses aims to provide a biblical perspective on the concept of personal autonomy, emphasizing the importance of respecting one’s body, making wise decisions, and considering the impact of our choices on others.