Thinking Biblically About Mental Health

Contending for the Word – August 26, 2025
Written by Dave Jenkins

The Question: How should Christians think about mental health biblically?

A Real Issue That Demands Real Discernment

Mental health is no longer a fringe issue. It’s a daily reality for many in the church. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and emotional struggles affect people in the pews and the pulpit. But how should Christians respond? Should we rely solely on secular psychology, or ignore the problem altogether? The biblical answer is neither.

We Are Body and Soul

God created us as embodied souls (Genesis 2:7). Mental health is not just a biological issue—it’s also spiritual, emotional, relational, and theological. While brain chemistry and trauma are real, Scripture speaks to the whole person. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”

God Cares for the Brokenhearted

Scripture does not ignore emotional pain—it addresses it head-on. The Psalms are filled with cries of despair and pleas for comfort (Psalm 42; Psalm 88). Jesus Himself was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He welcomes the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28–30).

Christians struggling with mental health are not weak in faith—they are walking through deep suffering in a fallen world. They need gospel hope, not shame. They need truth spoken in love, not clichés or condemnation.

The Role of the Church

• Preach the Word: God’s truth renews the mind (Romans 12:2) and offers lasting hope.
• Provide Care: We are called to bear one another’s burdens—including emotional ones (Galatians 6:2).
• Encourage Biblical Counseling: Biblical counselors apply the sufficiency of Scripture to the whole person, offering care that is both compassionate and theologically grounded.
• Avoid Over-Simplification: Not all struggles are fixed with a single verse and a quick prayer. Be patient, gracious, and persistent in walking with the hurting.

What About Medication?

Medication is not inherently unbiblical. In some cases, it can be a helpful mercy. But it should never be a substitute for spiritual care, discipleship, and biblical counseling. The goal is always long-term heart transformation—not just short-term symptom relief.

Wise Referrals

When appropriate, encourage counselees to consider a certified biblical counselor through the Association of Biblical Counselors. 

Final Thoughts

Mental health is not outside the scope of Scripture. God’s Word speaks to the anxieties, fears, grief, and issues of life that so many face. The gospel offers more than a coping mechanism—it offers redemption, identity, and lasting peace in Christ (John 14:27).

Let us be a people who speak truth with tenderness, uphold the sufficiency of Scripture, and extend the compassion of Christ to those silently suffering. Hope is not found in a diagnosis—but in a Savior who heals the heart and renews the mind.

Christians should approach mental health as whole-person care—body and soul—grounded in Scripture, compassionate church care, and wise use of biblical counseling, with patience and hope in Christ.

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