IN THE NAME OF JESUS
When first getting to know us, love might be hard to show without first understanding . But do show kindness. Show you care, as you would for anyone who isn’t feeling good about life and about who they are. Yes, we who struggle need kindness most of all. If we visit and talk about painful things, a gentle touch on the shoulder or arm will do wonders.
HOW CHRISTIANS CAN HELP HEAL THE PAIN OF STIGMA:
WE ARE MADE TO FEEL ASHAMED
I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. (Psalm 25:2)
- Throughout Jesus’ life, the Bible shows us that he accepted people who were rejected by everyone else.
- He treated them as people of worth.
- Sinners were forgiven—made clean. The sick received care.
- He asks us to do likewise.
OUR ABILITIES ARE OFTEN UNDERRATED
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
- Many individuals with mental health conditions have gifts that surpass those of “well” people.
- Ask us to contribute—our skills, our gifts, our knowledge.
- Encourage the development of such gifts in us.
- Help us realize that God has given us a life of value where many possibilities exist.
OUR OPINIONS ARE NOT RESPECTED
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, (Proverbs 1:5)
- Everyone should have their opinions heard, regardless of their mental health, especially if it’s in an informal setting.
- We who live with mental health issues could very well come up with creatively different views because of our unique perspectives.
- Even if the value of an opinion is doubted, be kind and show that you appreciate the input.
WE ARE NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY
Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. (John 3:11)
- Consider how it would feel if the things you did or talked about were not considered worth listening to.
- When this happens to us we start thinking that we don’t matter. That we’re not considered to be as human as others.
- Remember how Jesus welcomed little children to come to him?
- Jesus welcomes all of us and hears what we want to say.
- To Jesus, we all count. We all matter.
marja
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