Spiritual Stigma

Introduction

Today we are going to approach a popular topic of discussion. I seem to have this conversation a lot and it has only increased in recent days. Mostly because I have joined the conversation personally.

The conversation surrounding mental illness.

Perception of Mental Illness

We know what the common perception has been about mental illness. It has been the same in church and outside of church in the past. So I don’t need to describe it to you.

It is extraordinarily important for the body of Christ to keep a biblical worldview regarding mental health in focus.

While the bible does not address mental health directly, there are some absolutes we can put in place to view mental illness and equip others and ourselves to cope and thrive while living while maintaining mental health.

We start at the cause

Romans 8:18–28 NIV

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:18-

Our bodies are in bondage to decay, subjected to that by the fall. At the fall sin and death entered and everything was impacted.

It is the approach to this that is vital.

John 9:3 NIV

3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

John 9:

If we assume that someone’s sin causes mental illness, we give ourselves permission to treat them like sin. Which is exactly what the disciples were trying to figure out when they asked Jesus who sinned to cause the blindness.

Jesus points out that God can work all brokenness for His glory. This means that there is an ultimate hope for all our brokenness. There were plenty of blind people at this time, many who Jesus didn’t heal. But that doesn’t change the truth of what Jesus came to accomplish. The redemption of brokenness.

That redemption may not happen on this side of heaven, but God’s grace tells us that it WILL happen!

Suicide

The basic biblical logic behind suicide is the idea that it is murder, and because you are dead you can’t repent and therefore can’t be forgiven.

This would be sound logic, except for the VERY real idea of Grace.

Grace wins the day. We will all die broken, and because of the grace of God we can be saved. God WANTS all to know Him.

The bible doesn’t mention suicide, other than a few occurences of it. So to make blanket assumptions about it is very dangerous. We can view through what we know, and we KNOW that Grace is the defining characteristic of the Christian faith.

Not a sin!

Mental illness is NOT A SIN! It is not a choice! It does not make you less!

All of our brokenness qualifies us for a savior, which we have in Christ. Regardless of our feelings or particular brokenness.

What do we do with mental illness

Get treatment. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional or medical help for mental illness. It is not a lack of trust in God. I trust God to make all things new and save my soul, and I take medication every day for anxiety! Those two ideas can, and should, go together. We may have ultimate redemption, but we still live in a fallen world. If you love someone who is neglecting their mental health, do whatever you can to bring support for treatment. Love them.

Don’t be ashamed! Don’t let the stigma define you. God is not a God of guilt or self-destruction! He is a God who redeems and helps. It is not a sign of personal weakness. Don’t allow shame to dictate. If you love someone, give them room to talk about it, and empathize the best way you know how while acknowledging that you may not fully understand but you trust their feelings.

Don’t Isolate yourself, or allow others to stay isolated. Pay careful attention to people you love who pull away.

Don’t let people equate themselves with their illnesses. Period. We are more than our brokenness thanks to a Graceful God, so lets not let others be defined by their illness or brokenness. Come to the defense of others.

Create a safe space, or find a safe space. We want our church to be a safe space to express and find support for mental illness and find support on the road to mental health.

Speak out against the stigma. Be clear about how God views us, and you view others. It can’t be stated enough!!!!

Challenge

Take stock of your mental health this week. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about your mental health. Give your spouse or a close friend clear permission to give you an evaluation regarding your mental health.

Is anyone isolating themselves? Contact them.