In today's society, nearly everyone is either personally affected by mental health issues or knows someone who is. This begs the question: how should Christians approach this challenge from a biblical perspective?
Recognising the Problem
One common response, especially among older generations, is to downplay or dismiss mental health issues, viewing them as figments of the imagination, or feeling blue. Simple solutions, such as, “a verse a day keeps depression away”, are often suggested, but these fail to provide real help. On the other hand, some argue that mental health is strictly a biomedical issue that requires professional intervention, suggesting that Christians should refrain from involvement. Both perspectives are unhelpful and inadequate.
Biblical Figures and Mental Health
The Bible itself includes accounts of notable figures such as David, Asaph, Elijah, and Job, who experienced what we might recognise today as mental health struggles. This suggests that the Bible does address these concerns and provides a framework for understanding and responding to them. Scripture offers a variety of reasons why people suffer from difficulties such as depression and anxiety, and it is important to consider the full biblical context rather than isolating individual verses.
Comprehensive Biblical Understanding
Scripture speaks extensively about issues like fear, anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and conflict. God’s Word not only provides an understanding of these problems but also offers means for Christians to be helped through them. The solution lies in the gospel (see 2 Corinthians 10:1-5), which doesn’t oversimplify the issues but addresses them thoroughly. Christians are reminded that God has given them, “everything we need for living a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT).
Historical Perspective on Soul Care
Historically, local churches have been places where people received genuine care, both physical and spiritual. The Apostles referred to this care as shepherding (see 1 Peter 5:2); the Puritans called it “soul care”; today, some Christians speak of “Biblical Counselling” which, when defined biblically is discipleship, and involves “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). This can include comforting, encouraging, and at times gently “admonishing” fellow believers (see 1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Modern Challenges
In modern culture, there is a tendency to over-medicalize mental health issues, attributing them solely to chemical imbalances. However, recent research, including work by psychologists like Joanna Moncrieff, challenges the scientific basis of the chemical imbalance theory, suggesting that medication often serves more as symptom-management than a cure. Additionally, secular counselling methods often ignore spiritual realities, focusing solely on human behaviour and looking for happiness and solutions without reference to God.
Christian Counselling and Biblical Counselling
While some turn to Christian Counselling, it is important to note that not all counselling labelled “Christian” is truly grounded in biblical principles. Often, it mimics secular approaches, and can lead to unbiblical results. Biblical Counselling, however, seeks to address problems from a Scriptural perspective, using biblical terminology and solutions. Yet, even within the realm of Biblical Counselling, there is a need to guard against secular influences which fail to offer true hope.
The Church’s Responsibility
Each church has a responsibility to care for those suffering from mental health issues. This involves learning from God’s Word how to understand life’s challenges and offering support that is biblically grounded. For unbelievers, this means presenting the gospel of Christ as the ultimate source of hope and transformation (see 1 Timothy 1:1). For believers, it means continually applying aspects of the gospel to their lives and struggles.
Moving Forward
To provide effective care, churches must embrace a thorough biblical understanding of mental health issues. This approach, rooted in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit, can bring real hope and comfort to those who are hurting. For further guidance on helping those with mental health struggles, resources like biblicalsoulcare.co.uk offer valuable assistance.
Let us remember to pray for and encourage those who suffer, extending patience and grace towards all, as we look forward to the day when, for every believer in Christ, everything will be perfected in glory.
