To the Christian Struggling with an eating disorder

You Are Not Alone in This Battle of your eating disorder

Perhaps let me give you a little glimpse about what a person with an eating disorder might be going through having battled with bulimia nervosa for nearly 12 years of my life, but thankfully set free from the demonic spirit by the blood of the Lamb. If you’re a Christian struggling with an eating disorder, it may feel like you’re trapped in a silent war, one that distorts your reflection, damages your body, and erodes your spirit.

You may wonder, “Can I love Jesus and still be caught in this?” a little encouragement from your sister in Christ who’s been where you are, the answer is YES! And more importantly, Jesus loves you right where you are, even in the midst of this pain.

Encouragement when faith feels fragile during your eating disorder recovery journey

Disordered eating doesn’t mean you’re weak in faith, it means you’re human. And humans, even those who love God deeply, sometimes hurt deeply too.

As human beings, we are designed to feel like we have control over things in our lives, example the friends we hang out with, the types of music we are in to and so on. So, having something that simply controls your life and how you view things is not organic to us. Unlike a drug addict whose relief substance is illegal, with an eating disorder, the very thing that is supposed to nourish your body becomes your worst enemy, and is always accessible and expected by others for you to enjoy.

Christ Doesn’t Wait for Perfection

The enemy often whispers lies: “You’ll never be free.” “You’re too broken.” “You’re disappointing God.” But the truth is found in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

God is not surprised by your struggle. He is not ashamed of your scars. He walks beside you in every therapy session, every tearful prayer, every moment of surrender. Healing through Christ doesn’t require perfection, it begins with honesty and openness to His grace.

Your Body is Not the Enemy

Our culture screams that your worth is in your waistline. But Scripture tells another story. Psalm 139 says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Your body is not a battleground for shame; it is a temple loved by God.

The Christian recovery from eating disorders journey often includes professional help, counsellors, doctors, support groups. And that is not a lack of faith. In fact, seeking help is an act of faith. It says, “I believe God wants me whole.”

Faith Doesn’t Remove the Struggle: It Carries You Through It

Sometimes healing feels like two steps forward and one step back. That’s okay. Even in your darkest days, God’s light is still shining. Hope for Christians with eating disorders is not a myth, it’s a promise. A promise that grace is greater. That redemption is real. That healing is possible.

Let 2 Corinthians 12:9 anchor you: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Steps Toward Freedom

If you’re reading this, know that God is not done with you. Here are a few steps to take toward freedom:

• Talk to someone you trust, a pastor, therapist, friend.
• Start a prayer journal and invite God into your honest thoughts.
• Memorize truth, like Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.”
• Join a Christian support group for those healing from disordered eating.
• Celebrate small victories, every step matters.

Advice for someone dealing with an eating disorder patient

• It’s a process- don’t think they will just snap out of it when you force food or restrict it from them, it’s a process, they have to unlearn certain habits that they allowed to take control over them, don’t force immediate change upon them.
• Mind your words-the worst thing you could ever mention to someone dealing with an eating disorder is “just eat” or “you’re eat too much” remember its already hard for them as they feel misunderstood and disconnected from everything don’t make the situation worse.

• Be their encourager- with every progress that they make, even if it looks small in your eyes, congratulate them, it gives them even more strength to go on.

It Also Important To Remember That

• They will be bad days- keep in mind that sometimes they will want to go back to their old ways, and it might cause a lot frustration and anger in the process of recovery as they are trying not to. In those days, be calm, put your emotions aside and put on that hero hat on, and always remember to give them words of encouragement and assure them that they will be brighter days.

• Allow them to come to you about it first- don’t just go up to them and tell them” I know you have an eating disorder and you need help” that in itself is just rude and may even cause some friction in your relationship. Rather, be open and drop hints to them to let them feel that they can come to you when they are ready, and be patient while you’re at it. It’s very important in those times, to let them feel that it’s safe to come to you and talk about what they are going through. When they start to open up, don’t ask too many questions, and let them slowly open up to you however they feel is best for them in the beginning.

• Take them down happy memory lane- it’s very important to remind someone of the times when they were happy and healthy or things you did together that both brought you joy. Even better, what brought them joy, and if you may, try to relive those moments/ activities with them but only at the rate that they are comfortable with of course because, having an eating disorder may lead to depression.

Final Words of Encouragement

Dear one, if you are a Christian struggling with an eating disorder, you are not beyond help. You are not forgotten. And you are never alone. Christ doesn’t love the future, healed version of you more than He loves you right now.

There is hope. There is healing. And there is unshakable grace for you.