Myths about
Emotional Wounds
Introduction:
Hope it won’t depress you
that we are talking about depression. More & more Americans are dealing
w/depression/emotional problems. This lesson will lay Biblical groundwork for
discussing emotional problems. Wish to provide Biblical direction for
those suffering from emotional distress. Want to help those who are emotionally strong to know what we
can do to help those who are weak. What should be the Biblical groundwork for
discussing emotional problems?
I. Preliminary Matters.
A.
Our emotions are only one
of several aspects to our existence: Lk. 10:27
1.
These 4 areas are distinct
– but interrelated.
2.
Speak of emotional
problems: not referring to
spiritual – though may lead to spiritual problems – as well as
physical.
3.
One of the most common types
of emotional wounds is depression.
B.
How should we deal with the
emotionally wounded and the spiritually rebellious?
1.
1 Thess. 5:14 –
mentions 3 categories:
a)
Unruly
– to be admonished, warned.
b)
Fainthearted.
To be encouraged.
c)
Weak. They should be upheld.
2.
With the emotionally weak,
we must be compassionate and caring!
II. Common Myths about Emotional
Problems.
A.
Everyone gets depressed.
1.
Truth of matter: Vast majority NEVER experience genuine
depression.
a)
Truly depressed people feel
helpless; worthless.
b)
Statistically: only 25% of Americans will ever suffer
true depression.
2.
We’re also different
emotionally. (Cry at the end of a chick-flick?)
B.
It is sinful for a
Christian to be depressed.
1.
World: strong bias against
depression.
2.
Brethren: spiritual character of depressed person
often attacked. Where is their faith?
3.
Simple truth: many godly Bible characters suffered
depression.
a)
David – Psa. 6:1-7;
Job – Job 3:1; 20-26; Jesus – Mk. 14:33-34
4.
To accuse the sincere
Christian of lack of faith because of depression is the cruelest thing a person
can do.
C.
People w/depression should
be able to snap out of it.
1.
This idea presumes that the
depression was completely their choice & that they woke up & said, “I
think I will bury myself in depression.”
2.
Causes of emotional wounds
can be inherited.
3.
Causes of emotional wounds
can be from life’s experiences.
4.
Causes of emotional
problems can be from life’s choices. Prov. 23:7
D.
A Christian should never
have to take medicine because of emotional problems.
1.
Some emotional problems are
primarily causes by medical factors.
2.
If your emotional problems
are life threatening or life paralyzing (where you can’t function) – you
need to seek medical help.
Conclusion:
A.
To those who are
beleaguered with emotional pain: Help can be on the way – w/wise applications of Biblical
principles! Heb. 4:14-16
B.
Those who emotionally
strong: Heed Gal. 6:2
C.
I N V I T A T I O N