Understanding is foundational to coming alongside those living with mental illness with care and compassion. This idea underlies Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness by Matthew S. Stanford, a church leader and a professor of psychology and behavioral sciences.
Drawing from both areas of experience and expertise, Sanford provides a helpful guide to understanding mental illness in general as well as to the nature and impact of specific mental disorders. He combines biblical and scientific perspectives to help readers understand the spiritual and physical aspects of these conditions.
Early in the book, Stanford explains that mental illnesses result from both biological and environmental factors. He then devotes nine chapters to various types of disorders that impact the brain, covering symptoms, how each illness is diagnosed, risk factors, neurobiology and treatment. In each, he cites examples of people mentioned in the Bible who likely suffered from these illnesses and draws out principles from Scripture’s accounts of their struggles.
The author also addresses the concerns of caregivers and, in the revised and expanded version published in 2017, adds a chapter about the role of the Church in coming alongside those struggling with mental health challenges. Below are six key takeaways from this helpful and comprehensive guide.
Mental illnesses aren’t caused by spiritual deficits.
Throughout the book, Standford emphasizes that faith doesn’t prevent an individual from developing a mental illness. He writes, “Simply being a person of faith, even an exemplary faith as in the case of Job, is not enough to keep one from struggling with mental health problems.” Several times, he points to data demonstrating that Christians develop mental illnesses at the same rate as the general population. He also clarifies, “Admonitions such as ‘You need to pray more’ or ‘This is just the result of a lack of faith’ are ineffective in dealing with this problem.”
Medication is a resource provided by God.
Stanford recognizes the resistance to taking medication for mental health conditions in many circles and offers a logical argument to counter the stigma that often accompanies pharmacological treatments. “Does the use of medication to treat a mental illness show a lack of faith in the healing power of God? I would say this is no more the case than using insulin for diabetes minimizes God’s sovereignty,” he states. “Taking medication for any illness is simply making wise use of the abundant resources provided to us by a loving God.”
Mental illness doesn’t negate God’s plans.
Throughout the chapters on specific mental illnesses, Standford demonstrates that God has used many people who suffered with mental health conditions, working in them and through them for His glory and to bring blessing to others. He points out that numerous individuals mentioned in the famous “Hall of Faith” of Hebrews 11, such as David and Samson, dealt with mental health struggles and powerfully concludes, “The presence of a mental illness does not alter or thwart the perfect purpose and plan God has for a person’s life.”
God is present amid mental health struggles.
Stanford makes it clear that those who wrestle with mental afflictions do not do so alone. “When we struggle, God is present, taking care of our needs and providing the sustaining grace needed to persevere in a fallen world,” he writes. And, amid those struggles, the Lord often draws those who suffer and those who love them closer to Him: “He longs for a relationship with us, and a mental illness should not be seen as a mark of shame but as an opportunity to know Him more.”
Mental illness doesn’t define a person’s identity.
In the chapter for caregivers, Stanford emphasizes a vital truth in a world that leans toward labels: “Your loved one’s identity is not their diagnosis or mental health difficulty! Their true identity, who they really are, is based on what they mean to God. Circumstances and struggles do not define them; God does.”
The Church has a unique role in caring for those who struggle.
As the book closes, Standford recognizes the unique ways local churches can support and care for those dealing with mental illnesses: “The Body of Christ offers four things that the mental health care system presently lacks: 1) a hope that transcends circumstances, 2) a holistic view of humans, 3) accessibility, and 4) supportive community.” He points out that churches are often approached by individuals and families in times of acute struggle and suggests ways congregations can be prepared to help. “The fact that individuals living with mental illnesses are seeking assistance and council from the church should prompt us to rise up and be the hands and feet of Christ to suffering people.”
As the only faith-based organization in the Dallas metroplex exclusively serving those living with serious mental illnesses, the Well Community is blessed to offer support, resources and caring community. Click here to help us continue to come alongside them.