A Sound Mind

Unfortunately, too many Christians harbor ugly and unscriptural biases with regard to mental health issues. For them, the King James translation of Paul's second epistle to Timothy, suggests that those who have God's Holy Spirit dwelling within them will have a "sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7). However, both the English Standard Version and the New Living Translation make clear that a better translation of the original Greek word employed in this passage would be "self-control" or "self-discipline." In other words, just as the presence of God's Holy Spirit does not immunize us against experiencing physical diseases (like cancer, diabetes, asthma, etc.), it also does NOT preclude us from experiencing issues related to our mental health.

The PLAIN TRUTH is that Christians can and do occasionally suffer from things like anxiety, depression, psychoses, and neuroses. Likewise, contrary to popular opinion, pastors/ministers/priests/bishops are not necessarily mental health experts or specialists. In other words, any office within the Church which a person may occupy does NOT automatically qualify that individual to operate as a mental health counselor! Hence, the notion that Christians should avoid psychological counseling or available secular mental health services is both illogical and unscriptural. Yes, faith can sometimes lead to both physical and emotional healing, but it can also be misused and lead to injury and/or death!

Indeed, Scripture is very clear that God has great compassion for anyone and everyone who is suffering from emotional distress - in both the Old and New Testaments. David once wrote that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." The prophets pointed to a time when God would banish weeping and cries of distress. Likewise, we are informed in the New Testament that Jesus Christ came to this earth to heal those who are broken (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). He also said that those who mourn would be blessed, and that they would be comforted. In fact, Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as "The Comforter." Paul wrote to the saints at Rome that troubles and distress cannot separate a Christian from his/her God. In short, the presence of God's Spirit and an active and healthy faith in God and Christ demands that Christians NOT neglect and/or ignore their emotional health. After all, we (Christians) are temples of God's Spirit!