“And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind.” (v.2)
When something unexplainable happens some people want to immediately blame God for the illness, misfortune, or tragic event that has occurred. When an illness like cancer strikes someone, some tend to think of it as a punishment from God for some secret sin. While it is true that all death can be traced back to man’s original sin, we should not reason that some sin must be the cause of sickness, misfortune, or tragedy in any individuals life. This is why our LORD replied, “Neither has this man nor his parents sinned (v.3), undercutting all pat answers to affliction.
Perhaps emotional illness, more than any other kind of suffering, is subject to shortsighted, judgmental responses. Most physical diseases are socially acceptable, but a stigma still hangs over most psychological disorders. In her book God's Remedy for Depression, Vivian Clark tells of a discussion on the topic, "Is Depression Sin for the Christian?" One person said, "Because it can't coexist with the fruit of the Spirit, which is joy, it must be a sin." Another added, "There is no reason for Christians to be depressed." Just then, a sad-faced woman slipped away from the group. For days she had been despondent and unable to gain victory. Those remarks added to her depression.
Some emotional problems may indeed be caused by wrong attitudes or secret sins. But all of us transgress, and yet not everyone breaks down. The causes of depression and mental illness are so varied and complex that we must not engage in simplistic solutions. To help someone, we shouldn't immediately ask, "Who sinned?" Rather, we should pray for those who suffer with this illness that they may receive His peace and that the glory of God may be revealed.
True compassion invests everything necessary to heal the hurts of others.
The Truth
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5)
When something unexplainable happens some people want to immediately blame God for the illness, misfortune, or tragic event that has occurred. When an illness like cancer strikes someone, some tend to think of it as a punishment from God for some secret sin. While it is true that all death can be traced back to man’s original sin, we should not reason that some sin must be the cause of sickness, misfortune, or tragedy in any individuals life. This is why our LORD replied, “Neither has this man nor his parents sinned (v.3), undercutting all pat answers to affliction.
Perhaps emotional illness, more than any other kind of suffering, is subject to shortsighted, judgmental responses. Most physical diseases are socially acceptable, but a stigma still hangs over most psychological disorders. In her book God's Remedy for Depression, Vivian Clark tells of a discussion on the topic, "Is Depression Sin for the Christian?" One person said, "Because it can't coexist with the fruit of the Spirit, which is joy, it must be a sin." Another added, "There is no reason for Christians to be depressed." Just then, a sad-faced woman slipped away from the group. For days she had been despondent and unable to gain victory. Those remarks added to her depression.
Some emotional problems may indeed be caused by wrong attitudes or secret sins. But all of us transgress, and yet not everyone breaks down. The causes of depression and mental illness are so varied and complex that we must not engage in simplistic solutions. To help someone, we shouldn't immediately ask, "Who sinned?" Rather, we should pray for those who suffer with this illness that they may receive His peace and that the glory of God may be revealed.
True compassion invests everything necessary to heal the hurts of others.
The Truth
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5)
