To Eat or Not to Eat: Food and Your Emotions

FOR MANY people, food isn’t just about survival — it’s about comfort, memories, and emotions. We celebrate with food, we console ourselves with food, and, sometimes, we even try to heal emotional wounds with food. This is called emotional eating — using food to feel better rather than to nourish our bodies.

But what about spiritual eating? What about the “food” God says is good and the food He says to avoid? When we look at the Scriptures, especially in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, we see God’s clear dietary instructions. And here’s where emotions often rise higher than reason.

Some hear these instructions and respond not with curiosity, but with anger. They accuse those who obey of being “legalistic,” “judgmental,” or “trying to earn salvation.” But the truth is: God’s dietary laws aren’t about earning salvation — they’re about obedience, holiness, promoting good health, and honoring the body He gave us.

The Difference Between Physical Hunger and Spiritual Need

Physical hunger is your body’s way of saying, “I need fuel.” Spiritual hunger is deeper. It’s a longing for righteousness, for alignment with God’s will, for the bread of life that only Christ can give.

Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” This includes every word — even the ones about what we eat.

So the question is: Are we feeding only our stomachs, or are we also feeding our souls with obedience to God’s Word?

The Real Pushback--

Let’s be honest: most people aren’t upset about dietary laws per se because they’re too complicated to understand. They’re upset because they love their lechon, their pork sinigang, their shrimp, their crab legs. And rather than repenting, they twist God's word, rip Paul letters, and verses out of context, and claim that we are “not under the law” — as if grace gives everyone's permission to disobey God.

But Romans 6:15 makes it plain: “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” God’s Word is not bondage. Sin is. And sin is breaking God’s law (1 John 3:4).

When the Belly Becomes a 'god'

Paul wrote of some “whose god is their belly.” He warned those--"...whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things" (Philippians 3:19).

That’s a strong statement, but it’s exactly what happens when we let our cravings rule us instead of God’s instructions. Food is a gift, but when the gift takes the place of the Giver, it becomes an idol.

This is where the emotional side of eating meets the spiritual battle. Emotional attachment to forbidden foods isn’t just a matter of taste — it’s often a matter of the heart.

The Word That Cuts Deep

Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God “judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” That means when you read the Bible and feel conviction about what you eat, that conviction isn’t the problem — it’s the solution. The discomfort you feel is God’s Spirit inviting you to surrender an area of your life you’ve been holding back.

When someone shares the truth about God’s dietary laws, the problem isn’t in the message. The problem is in whether our hearts are humble enough to receive it.

Obedience Over Appetite

Obedience to God’s commands is a test of love and trust. 1 John 5:3 says,

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

If God says certain animals are unclean, then trusting Him means believing He knows what’s best for us — physically and spiritually.

Yes, the pushback will come. Jesus Himself said in John 15:19, “Because you are not of the world… the world hates you.” But our loyalty isn’t to the world’s menu; it’s to the King’s table.

Signs You’re Eating Emotionally vs. Spiritually

▪️Emotional Eating

Craving food to feel better rather than because you’re physically hungry.

Reaching for comfort foods when stressed, sad, or lonely.

Feeling guilt or shame after eating, but repeating the cycle.

Using food to avoid dealing with deeper heart issues.

▪️Spiritual Eating

Choosing foods based on God’s Word, not just your taste buds.

Eating with gratitude and self-control (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Allowing conviction from Scripture to shape your diet.

Viewing food as a way to honor God, not to satisfy every craving.

The Call to Choose--

In the end, “to eat or not to eat” isn’t just about diet. It’s about who you will serve. Will it be the cravings of the flesh, or the commands of God?

Joshua’s challenge still rings true today:

“Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

Food can be an emotional issue — but God’s truth must rule over our emotions. Let your appetite be trained by His Word, not by the world’s kitchen.

Because when you choose obedience over appetite, you’re not losing a meal — you’re gaining a life of holiness, freedom, and blessing.

Examine your plate and your heart. Let God’s Word be the final authority over both. Obey Him not out of fear, but out of love. And remember: the real feast isn’t in what’s on your fork — it’s in walking in His ways.

Rh.