The human soul has been a main topic of study throughout the ages. We see how various cultures, religions, and disciplines have attempted to navigate the meaning and purpose of the soul. The soul is portrayed on many levels in movies and television series, and it is known as a popular genre of music. A common phrase we hear when it comes to relationships in modern culture is finding our ‘soulmate.’ 

Though it is difficult to quantify or explain by the greatest scientists and philosophers, the existence of the human soul has been inherently understood across the ages. It seems that people from all time periods, regardless of background, have a keen awareness that humans are more than simply skin and bones.

What is the soul and why do we humans have it? When we look to the Bible, we find this mystery revealed. The word “soul” is mentioned in the Bible over 750 times! In the Hebrew language, the word for soul is “nephesh” and in the Greek language, it is called “psyche.” The soul is defined as: the life source, breath of life, that which animates the body and shows itself in breathing- that in which there is life- the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.), the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (blueletterbible.org). 

“...God created us to be spiritual beings, with Him as our life source.”

Despite mankind being aware of the existence of the soul—the vital force which animates our bodies and is not dissolved by death—many live in ignorance to the great purpose of why God created us with a soul. This ignorance comes from living a life focused on what the body, or the flesh, can obtain and how their body feels. It is a detriment to the soul, hindering us from ever attaining to the life, love, freedom, health, and spiritual awakening that our souls are yearning for within us. In this day and age, everything is about advancing yourself, how you look, how much you can attain, being comfortable, doing what you want, striving to do what makes you ‘happy,’ and finding identity in your status in social circles and social media. People do these things believing that it will satisfy their soul, but are left wanting. It is evident that many are, in fact, ignorant to the state of their very own soul. Very few ever come to examine the true state of their souls, much less recognize or learn to truly care for the souls of others. In the book of Matthew 16:26, Jesus Christ said, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” It appears in this Scripture that God has placed a high value on the soul far beyond the material things of this world, and that we must find out why.

Christ, the Lord of heaven’s armies, the Most High and all-knowing God, came to this world having been disposed of His beauty and power—He left His throne to walk as a man. He was God, strong and mighty, yet became weak for the sake of our soul. A God who is all-powerful, yet came into fragile and decaying flesh. Why? Because He so loved us. Because he cared for our souls. 

“Christ cares for our soul—behind each action He takes is love.”

Christ did not come to the earth because he needed man’s help nor because he wanted something from us. He did not come to use man for his own advantage. The Most High God is able and capable of all—at the sound of His voice, He can command into being anything He so desires. At His command, He made creation out of nothing; even the elements were birthed from His will. Yet, He so loved us that He chose to dispose himself of His glory and willingly walk the road to Calvary for the joy set before Him. He died for us, that the penalty for our sins (death) would be paid, and that our souls might be saved. His death meant that the power of sin to maintain what was an impenetrable barrier, separating us from the presence of God and keeping us from walking in communion with our Creator, would be no more. Every lash that Christ took, each nail, and every thorn, all the blood that He shed, was the penalty of our sins. Jesus Christ was perfect and knew no sin. Yet, because He loved us, He paid our penalty, that those who believe in Him, showing this by repentance and living no longer in sinfulness, would not perish but have eternal life.

Christ does not delight in the wicked perishing. He has made every provision that we may rid ourselves of this sinful nature that entangles us and live out our days in the goodness and safety of our loving Savior. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God and His people go forth calling all to repent, turn and be set free. He says in Ezekiel 18:32, “For I take no pleasure in anyone's death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!” Again, 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God’s heart is for “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Similarly, 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

“As Christians, we willingly count the costs and follow Christ, the true lover of our souls.”

One of the ways Christ’s love and concern for our souls is evident in our lives is through His discipline. In Proverbs 3:11-12, we are reminded that God disciplines those He loves and we are counted wise to heed His discipline: “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Oftentimes, what may feel unpleasant to our bodies or appear to our worldly understanding as a difficult or undesirable circumstance, may just be the very means in which God wishes to demonstrate his utmost love and care for us, teaching us that through everything, we are safe when we remain in Him. His discipline, guidance, and teachings guard our souls. 

God is concerned and cares that we are pure before Him and able to dwell with Him. He doesn’t cater to our flesh, He is not concerned with the things of this world—our social media status, the newest fashion trend, or the amount of money we make. Christ cares for our soul—behind each action He takes is love. His love guards us, admonishes us, and propels us, so that our souls would be purified and that we would be able to dwell in Him, both now and forevermore.

In the same way, the Lord says that true Christians are those who love one another as Christ has loved you (John 13:34-35). What kind of lives should we live then? Holy and upright making the most of every opportunity, as the Scriptures instruct (1 Peter 1:14-15; Ephesians 5:15-16). We should live to tell others the same truth we received, not ashamed, and not sugar-coating the danger and imminent reality which unredeemed souls face. Walking in such thanksgiving knowing you were deserving of and condemned to death, but Christ saved you! A soul that has been redeemed recognizes its dependence on God and wants to give back to God for all His goodness and kindness. This redeemed soul is called to live a life loving God and others just as Christ has cared for your soul. With no other motivation and no advantage simply other than to love others, that they might be saved. 

Worldwide, there are over 2.3 billion people who identify as “Christian,” and yet how many do we see giving up their lives on behalf of another with no advantage to themselves? How many truly believe that this world and everything in it shall perish and that our only hope is found in the good news of the Gospel—in the love, mercy, and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, to save our souls unto Him? How many stand and live by this truth? Behind true love, there is always sacrifice as our Savior demonstrated for us. As Christians, we willingly count the costs and follow Christ, the true lover of our souls.

If everyday civilians spring to action to protect and bring to safety those who are in imminent danger, not considering themselves or thinking about their own lives, but jumping in harm’s way to protect the life of another, how much more should we spring into action to guard, protect, and pull the souls of men and women out of spiritual darkness? Just as Christ cared for our souls, laid down His life for us, and continues to guard, protect, guide, mature, and direct our souls, so too we are to love God and lay down our lives in this way. This allows for His life to move in us, to guard and protect what Christ entrusts to us, and to love others in that same way. As Christ has cared for our souls, we are to care for the souls of others. 

How incredible that God has made a way for us to be with Him forever and to use us to bring many other souls home to Him. 

Sources:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g5590

https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/nas/nephesh.html