God-Honoring Stewardship: A Biblical Perspective on Your Morning Cup
There is nothing wrong with enjoying a morning cup of coffee. The concern is not the coffee itself but how we approach it. Scripture teaches that our bodies are not our own. They were bought with a price, and we are commanded to glorify God in our bodies. First Corinthians 6 verses 19 and 20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
If this is true, and it is, then every decision we make about what we consume must be made with that in mind. That includes daily habits like how we begin our day and what we put into our bodies at the start of it. God gave mankind plants, herbs, and natural elements as part of His provision, not for vanity or indulgence, but for nourishment, healing, and sustenance. Psalm 104 verse 14 says, “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, so that he may bring forth food from the earth.” This clearly shows that the resources God created on the earth were meant for our benefit, and we are accountable for how we use them.
When we look at natural ingredients like turmeric, cloves, and honey, we must not be led by marketing trends or cultural fads, but by wisdom and discernment. The question should not be what is popular, but what is good, what is right, and what God has given for our good.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that research shows may help reduce inflammation. Inflammation is one of the root causes of many chronic conditions, including joint pain and degenerative issues. The Bible never mentions turmeric directly, but it does affirm the use of plants and natural elements for healing. Revelation 22 verse 2 says, “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” While this is specifically referring to a future heavenly reality, it reflects the principle that God uses His creation as a source of healing and restoration.
Cloves contain antioxidants and have historically been used to support healthy circulation. Again, while the Bible does not name cloves specifically, it does speak often of the body and its proper function. God created the body with intricate systems. To support those systems with what He made is not just good practice, it is a form of obedience. James 1 verse 17 reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” That includes the good gifts found in nature which, when used with wisdom, support the health of the body.
Honey is directly referenced in Scripture multiple times, always with value. It is used both as a metaphor for spiritual truth and as a literal substance that nourishes the body. Proverbs 24 verses 13 and 14 say, “My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul.” Here we see a clear connection between the sweetness and benefit of honey and the deeper wisdom we are to seek. Honey, in its raw form, is a nutrient-dense gift from God and can serve as a natural alternative to refined sugars, which are harmful in excess.
As for coffee itself, there is no verse that commands or forbids its use. What Scripture does command is self-control. Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can be used wisely or abused. Proverbs 25 verse 28 says, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” If a person becomes dependent on coffee in a way that compromises health, sleep, or spiritual discipline, then that use is no longer biblical. But if coffee is enjoyed in moderation, with discernment, and with thanksgiving, it can be part of a God-honoring routine.
What matters more than what you consume is why and how you consume it. Is it done with intention? Is it done in thanksgiving? Are you seeking energy to serve God or to avoid dependence on Him? Are you taking care of your health so that you may be equipped to do the work He has called you to do? First Corinthians 10 verse 31 says, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That includes your morning cup.
So if you choose to stir turmeric, cloves, and honey into your coffee, do not do it because it is trendy or natural. Do it because you believe your body is not your own, that it belongs to God, and that caring for it is an act of worship. Let your mornings begin not with consumption, but with reverence. Let every sip be an act of stewardship. Let every choice reflect that your purpose is not pleasure, but obedience.
This is not about functional fuel. This is about presenting your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Romans 12 verse 1 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Let that be the truth behind your every decision—even your coffee.
The Prayer of Salvation
Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sins, and I want to turn from them. I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, and that He died on the cross for my sins. I believe that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. I invite You to come into my heart and take control of my life. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen