Editor’s Note: The following column is also available in Spanish here.
The gospel and mental health are closely related because they both address the human condition and our need for grace, healing, compassion and restoration. More importantly, it also demonstrates how Christians are to respond to a suffering, broken world.
Unfortunately, there is often a stigma surrounding mental health in Christian circles, and many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help or support.
But the truth is, mental health struggles are common and can affect anyone, regardless of their faith, culture, race or socioeconomic background.
As Christians we cannot ignore the reality that all creation was negatively affected by the fall. Consequently, our brains are also exposed to encounter damages.
The human brain is an organ like any other organ in our body. It is susceptible to diseases, degeneration and impairments in functioning.
Mental health can impact our ability to connect with God and engage in spiritual practices. The state of our mental health can affect how we interact with God.
Perez
Mental health disorders may make it challenging for us to feel God’s presence in our lives, to trust in His goodness, and to believe that He loves and cares for us. This may result in feelings of separation or alienation from God, as well as sentiments of hostility or animosity toward Him.
It was not supposed to be this way.
The good news of the gospel gives us hope that we shall one day be freed from our physical and mental afflictions caused by sin. It is a message of hope, grace, love and restoration.
The gospel shows us we are not alone because we do not have a God who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).
He is familiar with pain and suffering.“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain … Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering” (Isaiah 53:3-4).
The incarnation of Christ is a powerful reminder of how we are called to follow in His footsteps by serving those who are suffering. Jesus left His heavenly home to enter into our broken world. He became human and lived among us.
Likewise, we must enter into the brokenness of those who are struggling with mental health issues and trauma if we are to follow the steps of our Savior.
We are called to meet others where they are and walk alongside them in their struggles. We are called to listen to their stories, empathize with their pain and offer them the grace, support and compassion they need.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (II Corinthians 1:3-4).
The Bible is filled with stories of God’s compassion for those who were suffering, sick and vulnerable. As followers of Christ, we are asked to participate in showing that same compassion to individuals who are experiencing mental health problems.
Mental health and trauma are the most underserved mission fields in the 21st century. As the body of Christ, we have a collective responsibility of looking out for one another’s mental health.
Humility, compassion, grace and a willingness to step into the brokenness of people’s lives are essential keys for supporting those who have experienced trauma or have mental health issues.
By doing so, we can offer them hope, healing and the love of Christ in tangible ways. B&R — Perez is a member of Iglesia Bautista La Gran Comision in Morristown where her husband, Israel Perez, is pastor.
