WHOLENESS
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Wholeness”
Wholeness in Christian theology refers to the restoration of a person to the fullness of life God intended — spiritually, emotionally, morally, and relationally.
It is the state in which a believer is healed, integrated, and made complete in Christ, rather than fragmented or broken by sin.
Wholeness is not merely the absence of pain — it is the presence of Christ’s life shaping every part of the human person.
BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF WHOLENESS
Shalom (Hebrew)
Often translated “peace,” but more deeply means:
completeness
flourishing
fullness
well‑being
Key Scriptures
“He heals the broken‑hearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
“You are complete in Him.” — Colossians 2:10
Wholeness in Scripture Includes
Soul
Mind
Body
Relationships
Identity
Purpose
The opposite of wholeness is fragmentation, brokenness, alienation, and sin’s disintegration of the person.
Reflection
Wholeness is God putting back together what sin has torn apart. You can embrace wholeness as God’s intention for every part of your life.
WHOLENESS AS GOD’S DESIGN
Human beings were created to be whole in:
Relationship with God
Relationship with others
Relationship with self
Relationship with creation
The Fall fractured all four. Redemption in Christ restores them.
Reflection
Wholeness is not self‑improvement — it is God restoring His original design.
You can rest in the truth that Christ came to make you whole.
INFLUENTIAL CHRISTIAN VOICES ON WHOLENESS
Augustine: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.”
Calvin: Wholeness comes when God reorders what sin has disordered.
Wesley: Holiness and wholeness are united.
Dallas Willard: Wholeness is transformation, not perfection.
C.S. Lewis: The more God takes over, the more truly ourselves we become.
Irenaeus: “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
Reflection
Wholeness is not becoming someone else — it is becoming who God created you to be.
WHOLENESS AS INNER HEALING
Christ restores:
Guilt → forgiveness
Shame → acceptance
Fear → courage
Broken identity → belovedness
Inner division → inner unity
This healing is often gradual, like sanctification.
Reflection
Wholeness is a journey, not a moment. You can trust Christ to heal layer by layer.
WHOLENESS AND SALVATION
Wholeness is not a side‑effect — it is part of salvation itself.
“He Himself is our peace.” — Ephesians 2:14
Christ is our wholeness.
Reflection
Wholeness is found not in circumstances but in Christ Himself.
WHOLENESS IN PRACTICE
Wholeness comes through:
Repentance
Forgiveness (received and given)
Prayer and communion with God
Scripture renewing the mind
The work of the Holy Spirit
Christian community
Obedience
Healing of memories and patterns
Transformation in Christlike character
Reflection
Wholeness is God restoring His image in you. You can cooperate with His work through daily surrender.
Short Definition
WHOLENESS A state of complete spiritual, emotional, relational, and moral integration brought about by the healing and restoring work of Christ, where the believer is made complete and fully alive in God.
In Daily Faith
Pursue harmony with God, self, and others, reflecting Christ’s restoration.
IN DAILY LIFE: WALKING IN WHOLENESS EACH DAY
1. Invite God to Restore Your Broken Places
Daily Application
Bring wounds honestly to God Psalm 147:3
Journal areas of fragmentation
Let weakness become a doorway to healing
Why This Matters
Wholeness begins with openness.
Encouragement
God heals what you bring into His light.
2. Renew Your Mind With Scripture
Daily Application
Replace lies with truth Romans 12:2
Meditate on Scripture in stress
Build small rhythms of Scripture intake
Why This Matters
A renewed mind leads to a restored life.
Encouragement
God’s Word reshapes your inner world.
3. Practice Peace With Yourself
Daily Application
Speak biblical affirmations Psalm 139:14
Reject harsh self‑criticism
Celebrate progress
Why This Matters
Self‑rejection fractures the soul; God’s truth restores it.
Encouragement
You are wonderfully made and being renewed.
4. Cultivate Healthy Relationships
Daily Application
Seek reconciliation Romans 12:18
Set healthy boundaries
Forgive quickly
Why This Matters
Relational peace is essential to wholeness.
Encouragement
Forgiveness frees your heart to heal.
5. Guard Your Heart From Sin and Fragmentation
Daily Application
Avoid habits that drain your soul Proverbs 4:23
Confess sin quickly
Choose influences that shape you toward Christ
Why This Matters
Sin fractures; holiness restores.
Encouragement
Every small act of obedience strengthens wholeness.
6. Stay Connected to Christ Through Prayer
Daily Application
Pray throughout the day Philippians 4:6–7
Give God every emotion
Ask for His peace to guard your heart
Why This Matters
Prayer integrates your life with God’s presence.
Encouragement
Christ’s peace brings inner unity.
7. Allow Christian Community to Help You Heal
Daily Application
Join a small group or prayer group James 5:16
Share honestly with trusted believers
Receive encouragement and truth
Why This Matters
Healing happens in community.
Encouragement
You are not meant to become whole alone.
8. Walk in Purpose and Identity
Daily Application
Ask God to reveal your gifts Ephesians 2:10
Serve others regularly
Reject comparison
Why This Matters
Purpose strengthens identity and wholeness.
Encouragement
You are God’s workmanship — uniquely crafted.
9. Pursue Obedience as a Path to Restoration
Daily Application
Read Scripture with intent to obey John 14:23
Say “yes” to the Spirit quickly
Remove recurring sources of sin
Why This Matters
Obedience aligns your soul with God’s design.
Encouragement
Obedience opens the door to deeper wholeness.
10. Rest in God as Your Source of Completeness
Daily Application
Stop striving for worth Colossians 2:10
Practice Sabbath rhythms
Let Christ define your identity
Why This Matters
Wholeness is received, not earned.
Encouragement
You are complete because Christ is enough.
Daily Faith Summary
Wholeness is the daily restoration of all you are — heart, mind, soul, relationships, identity — into the life of Christ.
It grows as you:
Open your wounds to God
Renew your mind
Walk in peace
Forgive and reconcile
Pursue holiness
Dwell in prayer
Live in community
Embrace your identity
Practice obedience
Rest in Christ
Jesus is your wholeness. Live each day letting Him make you whole.
Key Scripture References
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Psalm 23:3
Colossians 2:10