Understanding Mental Health

Mental health, especially mental illness, has become a much more prevalent topic in our culture in recent years. While that is a good thing, it also means that Christians need to understand what the Biblical response is to such issues in their own lives as well as in the Church body.

What Does the Bible Say?

Many churches find themselves having to deal with mental illness within their congregations. While the Bible may not specifically address mental illness in the way that we define it today, it does provide insight into how Christians should view and respond to those struggling with such issues. Throughout Scripture we find many who struggle with feelings of anger, despair, loneliness and depression. David and Job are prime examples of such suffering. One thing is clear through Scripture – our God is a God of comfort to those suffering and He longs to heal those whom are broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18, 2 Corinthians 1:4). Jesus Christ came to give us abundant life and that includes mental health. He wants to make us whole and to heal our brokenness. The Church is designed to help us find healing and support, but often, that has not been the case when it comes to those dealing with mental health issues because of the lack of understanding of what causes it.

Physical vs. Spiritual

Often in the Christian community, mental illness is seen as the result of sin or that the person struggling with it isn’t a “good enough” Christian. While sin may lead to brokenness, mental illness is very much like physical illness. Just like with physical illness, professional medical help is needed in dealing with mental illness. In the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows us the importance of taking care of each other’s physical needs. God can heal any illness and He can do this through many different means: the Church, friends, family, doctors and even medication.

Encouragement for Those in the Midst of Struggle

If you or someone you love is dealing with deep despair it is important to know that you are not alone. People have suffered with mental health issues throughout time. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one out of five American adults live with mental illness. The World Health Organization shows that one out of every four people worldwide experience mental health issues. You are most certainly not the only one in your church or circle of friends who may be struggling so it is important to speak out and share your own experience, which in turn, may help someone else.

It is also important to understand the mental illness is not a punishment for your sins or those of your parents. Just as Jesus said of the man born blind in John 9:3, He wants to use our struggles to bring about His glory by helping us overcome them.

Finally, we have hope in the fact that we have a personal Savior who understands what we are going through. Christ experienced human emotions just like we do during His time on earth. He wept when his friend Lazarus died (John 11:35), was betrayed and denied by his friends (Luke 22), and he experienced deep sorrow while in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38). He knows our pain and our suffering and He comes to us when we cry for help (Lam. 3:55-58).

Our Response

Mental illness is something that can affect any of us – pastors, deacons, Discipleship Leaders – so it should be something the Church can talk about without shame. Be compassionate and remind those that we know who may be struggling that God loves us and does not forsake us. Encourage them to seek professional and medical help. Pray for them and be a friend willing to walk beside them on this very difficult journey towards healing. The Church is a place where believers should help each other grow in Christ even in the darkest of places.

GOING FURTHER - Resources

Loving God with All Your Mind (by Elizabeth George) – No matter where you are or what your situation is, God knows all about it and is with you. And the more you know Him, the more hope, encouragement, and peace you’ll have.

Anxiety and Depression (by Bob Phillips) – Anxiety and depression are the two most common emotions that plague people, causing emotional distress and feelings of inferiority, loneliness, and despair. Help is available for these people in pain—help from God, from His Word, and from the experience of gifted men and women who seek to lead people to wholeness.

When the Darkness Will Not Lift (by John Piper) – Even the most faithful, focused Christians can encounter periods of depression and spiritual darkness when joy seems to stay just out of reach. It can happen because of sin, satanic assault, distressing circumstances, or hereditary and other physical causes. This book aims to give some comfort and guidance to those experiencing spiritual darkness.

GOING FURTHER – Hopewell Support

Discipleship Groups

You weren’t meant to walk through life alone. You need the support of like-minded believers around you. You’ll find that in a Discipleship Group. Hopewell offers a variety of Adult Discipleship Groups for every season of life. You can search for the right fit by using the Discipleship Group Finder on our website or email the Hope@Home Team for more assistance at

Professional Counseling

You can find contacts with resources ranging from support groups and graduate counseling interns to Licensed Professional Counselors that are “Hopewell Approved” at whatasavior.com/resources/counseling.

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