"Real Christians don't need therapy or medication for mental health"
How it sounds in your head: My small group leader said anxiety is just a trust issue. If I really believed God's promises, I wouldn't need Lexapro. Taking medication feels like I'm choosing science over faith, admitting the Bible isn't enough.
"Jesus answered and said to them, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.'"
-- Luke 5:31Religious teaching that pits medicine against faith, making treatment a sign of spiritual deficiency.
She's heard sermons about how God is our healer and seen posts about casting anxiety on Him. Swallowing a pill feels like declaring those promises don't work.
Timothy had frequent stomach problems, and Paul—an apostle with healing power—told him to use medicinal wine instead of just praying. Medical intervention was recommended by Paul himself without any spiritual shame.
I REFUSE the lie that therapy or medication disqualifies my faith. IT IS WRITTEN that Jesus affirmed physicians for the sick, and Paul recommended medical treatment to Timothy. My brain is an organ, and treating it doesn't betray God any more than treating my lungs or heart. IT IS WRITTEN that I am blessed coming in and going out under the BARAK covenant. That includes walking into a therapist's office or a pharmacy. I am the righteousness of God in Christ, Lexapro and all.
The Father who created neurotransmitters isn't offended when you balance them. He's holding your pill bottle in one hand and His promises in the other, saying both are gifts from Him.