We are more than a body-we are tripartite beings 

Conventional medicine tends to focus on humans as two-dimensional beings—addressing the soul and body—while often neglecting the spiritual aspect, or inner self. When the spirit is overlooked, behaviors guided by faith or divine direction are diminished, and we are left relying solely on our knowledge, will, and emotions ( the soul). This can lead to confusion and make us more susceptible to external influences. As people search for guidance and mentorship, there has been a significant rise in life coaching, which mainly offers human-centered direction.

As a pediatrician deeply invested in the well-being of young people, I have spent countless hours listening to and supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and their families. I’ve also offered similar guidance within my own circle of family and friends. Through these experiences, I’ve witnessed a troubling rise in struggles with self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and loneliness, all of which have become increasingly common and challenging to address.

Strengthening Inner Self

Confronting emotional pain with others has reminded me of my own journey as a young person. I recall facing difficult choices and, looking back, I realize how crucial it is to have a clear and healthy mindset. Although I believed I was making sound decisions as a teenager, I now see that many of my choices were influenced by feelings like fear and anxiety, my knowledge, and sheer determination. My faith in God offered comfort, but I often treated it as something to lean on only during crises, rather than engaging in the daily inner work necessary for genuine inner peace. True transformation, I’ve come to learn, happens when we focus on strengthening our inner selves.

Lasting Peace

The Bible assures us that God gives us not a spirit of fear, but of peace, love, and a sound mind. As human beings, we are more than just our physical bodies and minds—we possess a living soul and spirit. Universally, we share the same amazing body systems, such as the nervous, circulatory, muscular, and skeletal systems, despite differences caused by genetics or illness. Yet what truly unites us is our capacity to worry about the past, present, and future, our ability to dream and create, and our deep longing for inner peace and authentic, unconditional relationships. Even the most guarded hearts have a place that yearns for love. While our bodies may differ in some ways, we all share the foundational systems—and, most importantly, a soul and spirit. Lasting peace comes from addressing healing from within; focusing solely on the external brings only temporary relief. Healing that touches the body, soul, and spirit is what leads to the profound inner peace so many of us seek. Romans 8:6 reminds us that a spiritual mind results in life and peace.