BONUS SESSION MINISTRY IN THE FACE OF MENTAL ILLNESS The Point Christians are to care for those suffering from mental illness. The Bible Meets Life We readily pray for each other when we re dealing with sickness, surgeries, cancer, or some chronic illness. Mental illness, on the other hand, is not often mentioned. Mental illness can take many forms, and it is estimated that 1 in 10 people suffer from depression. People suffering from mental illness are all around us, including the church. We should not ignore it or look the other way. The Bible gives us direction on how we can help those who suffer. The Passage 2 Corinthians 1:2-7 148 BONUS SESSION
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY? 2 Corinthians 1:2-7 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 3 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 4 For as we share abundantly in Christ s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 5 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 6 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 7 The Setting Paul had spent considerable time in Corinth, but after his departure, the church fellowship had fragmented. Factions aligned claiming to follow various leaders. Sinful behavior met no challenge. Pride, arrogance, and egotism replaced the fruit of the Spirit. Paul wrote and visited to correct the situation, but to little initial avail. Eventually most believers repented and healing began. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to facilitate continued healing and restoration of relationships within the church. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 149
ENGAGE (15 MINUTES) GET INTO THE STUDY ENGAGE: Begin the session with one or more of the Engage Options on the next page. (This is optional. If you d rather skip the Engage Options, just begin with the first discussion question.) SAY: We are surrounded by people who suffer invisible wounds. Sometimes we know. Sometimes we don t, but as the body of Christ, we should care for those suffering with mental illness. DISCUSS: Have students discuss the question, Why do we tend to avoid talking about mental illness? THE POINT GUIDE: Call attention to The Point. Explain that this is the key idea to keep in mind throughout the session. Christians are to care for those suffering from mental illness. READ: Read and summarize The Bible Meets Life for your group. The unspoken prayer request. In most Bible study groups and churches, prayer requests usually focus on people with physical illnesses or injuries. Often, those illnesses and injuries are quite obvious and certainly cause pain and struggle for those involved. We also pray for those who are hurting because of the loss of a loved one. All that is as it should be. However, we are also surrounded by people both inside and outside the church who bear wounds which are not as visible. Those wounds are just as debilitating, just as serious, and, sometimes, just as deadly. Many people in our world and our churches struggle with mental illness and emotional pain. Perhaps the most common form of this might be called depression, but mental illness takes many forms. We typically know how to pray and minister to those with physical health concerns, but what do we do with those struggling with mental illness? Instead of ignoring, looking the other way, or even worse, demeaning people with mental and emotional struggles, let us look to the Scripture to see how we can help those who suffer. PRAY: Transition into the session by praying that Jesus reveals to the students His heart for those suffering with mental illness. 150 BONUS SESSION
Engage Options YY Lead with Action Divide your group into smaller groups. Give each small group a stack of popsicle sticks and some tape. Have the small groups pick one student. The rest of the students will attempt to build a popsicle tower, but they can only use one of their hands. Give them 3 minutes to attempt to build the tower. After the 3 minutes is up, allow the original chosen student to use both of his or her hands to finish the tower. The group with the best looking tower wins. Say, Everyone was building the tower, but for some, it was a little more difficult. As the body of Christ, we should come alongside those who are struggling and help them. YY Lead with Atmosphere Search the Internet for statistics on mental illness. Create paper hearts with the statistics. Place them all over the room. Help students understand the vastness of how many people are suffering from mental illness. Begin the session by saying, We are surrounded by people who suffer from mental illness. It s a struggle that we cannot always see, but these statistics show us just how real and prevalent it is. As the body of Christ, we need to be aware of the hurt around us, so that we can look for opportunities to minister to those in need. YY Lead with Media Search the Internet for clips from Rick Warren interviews about his son s struggle with mental illness and his son s death. Say, Mental illness is not something that exists beyond the church walls. There are people in the church, perhaps even this church, that suffer with mental illness. As their brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to care for those who are hurting. OPTION: Invite a Christian counselor or other Christian mental health professional to talk to your students about mental illness. Allow your students time to ask questions. OPTION: Search for church leaders who have suffered from mental illness themselves. Explain to your students that even those who have been disciples for a long time can suffer from mental illnesses. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 151
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Christians are to care for those suffering from mental illness. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 2 CORINTHIANS 1:2-3 2 2 CORINTHIANS 1:2-3 SAY: While books, counseling, and even medicine may offer some degree of help for those dealing with mental illness, God is the ultimate Source of healing, hope, and help. Let s never forget that. READ: Read or have a volunteer read the following: One of the most difficult times in my life was the death of my firstborn child. In moments like those, it is easy for some people to become bitter toward God and blame Him (or others) for what happened. In my time of need, though, I chose to turn to our Heavenly Father. Words of Scripture I had memorized long before came to my heart; He used those very Scriptures to bring compassion and comfort to me. YY Job 1:21: Helps us see that God gives and takes away. In either case, we are to praise His name. YY John 14:1-3: Jesus told us that we can find hope in Him our pain, struggle, and problems on earth are not the final diagnosis. Christians are bound for eternity with Jesus and full restoration of health, both physical and mental. God s Word has helped me throughout my life in good and bad times. His Word is available to help you, too. DISCUSS: Ask students to answer the question, When have you experienced the peace and comfort of God? 152 BONUS SESSION
Commentary 2 CORINTHIANS 1:2-3 Paul was no stranger to Christians in Corinth, the influential capital city of the Roman province of Achaia. He founded the church there during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-17), but his relationship with believers there was tumultuous. The Book of 2 Corinthians is actually the fourth letter we know Paul wrote to Corinth. First Corinthians 5:9 reflected upon an earlier word sent from Paul. This letter has been lost. His second letter, our First Corinthians, addressed specific issues within the church. Following a painful visit to Corinth (2 Cor. 2:1), Paul wrote a third, tearful letter, also lost (2 Cor. 2:3-4). Second Corinthians then contained Paul s response to learning the Corinthians repented after receiving his severe letter. He also responded to opponents questioning his apostolic authority. Grace and peace come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In Paul s mind, Jesus deity is undeniable. First, He is linked with God the Father. The grace and peace offered the Corinthians issued not solely from the relationship believers have with the Father, but also through Jesus Christ. In addition, He is Lord. In the New Testament, both the Father and Jesus are called Lord, but it is most-often applied to Jesus. Mental illness often includes a desperate longing for peace. Though medical and mental treatments must not be brushed aside, the wholeness longed for ultimately must be grounded in a relationship with God through Christ. The church confronts mental illness, therefore, in its commitment to the Great Commission. It is the through the gospel we proclaim that people have access to genuine peace both on earth and throughout eternity. Paul praised the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For Christians, God is first and foremost known as the Father of Jesus, who in turn is the greatest blessing given to humankind. We can call him our Father only because He is the Father of Jesus. God is not only described in terms of His relationship with His Son, Jesus, but also by what He offers to humanity. Unlike other religions whose gods are distant, uncaring, and unfazed by the conditions of others, God is directly involved in our lives. He is first the Father of mercies, an idea that stems from Paul s Jewish past. He used the Greek word and verb form for mercy more than any other New Testament writer. More important for Paul in 2 Corinthians is God as the God of all comfort. Paul mentioned comfort ten times in verses 3-7, six times as a noun, and four times in verbal form (one is translated receive near the end of v. 4). Still, we should be careful not to force our sentimental understanding of comfort upon Paul s meaning. God s comfort is His encouragement and strengthening that produces resolve when believers experience difficult circumstances. God s comfort is comprehensive and exclusive. He offers all possible comfort for those who rightly call Him Father through repentance from sin and receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord. TIP: Be sensitive as you discuss this topic with students. Many may be directly affected by mental illness in their own lives or in their families. TIP: Create some traditions for you and your group maybe something you do once a month or every few months. Whether it is an outing, a way to serve others, or simply a special place to eat lunch together after church, create some traditions that build the community of your group. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 153
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Christians are to care for those suffering from mental illness. who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:4-5 4 2 CORINTHIANS 1:4-5 SAY: The issue is not if you are going to have trouble in your life, but when you are going to have trouble. Troubles come to everyone. Unfortunately, an increasing number of people are experiencing mental and emotional turmoil. READ: Read or have a volunteer read the following: One recent study showed that more teenagers are dying by suicide at a greater rate than by traffic accidents. The U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains told me we have been losing more soldiers to suicide than to combat and this was at the peak of the Iraq and Afghanistan war. Suicide has risen dramatically for young women, ages 18 to 30. For youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death. SAY: God is the one who reaches out to all of us. The Scripture is clear that He comforts us in all not just some of our troubles. One way God desires to express His comfort to others is through us. God calls us to comfort those who are going through similar difficulties to those we ourselves have experienced. As we have received the grace and peace from God, we can come alongside others to extend grace and peace to them. DISCUSS: Lead students to discuss the question, What are practical ways we can share Christ's love and peace with others? DO: Have students complete the Action Point, Share Plan Share Plan How do Christians take the love and peace of Christ to those who are in need? Not just those with physical needs, but emotional and spiritual needs as well? Brainstorm some ways with a partner and share with your group. Who How can we help? YY Those with physical needs YY Those with emotional needs YY Those with spiritual needs (the lost and those running from God) 154 BONUS SESSION
Commentary 2 CORINTHIANS 1:4-5 On April 5, 2013, 27 year old Matthew Warren, son of Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in California, committed suicide after struggling throughout his young life with mental illness. Almost four months after their son took his life, the Warrens returned to their church. Rick Warren began a new series tackling mental illness called, How to Get Through What You re Going Through. In his first message, he shared truths that sustained them during this time, including that even though circumstances may not make sense, God still loves us and is with us. Warren stated when we grieve, God grieves with us and wants to take our pain, turn it around, and use it to help others suffering similarly. Warren s message echoes Paul s words in 2 Corinthians. With verse 4, Paul expressed his own experience with the comforting power of God. He explicitly praised God, who comforts us is all our affliction. Paul used the plural us, but he referred to his own comfort received from God. His encouragement was comprehensive; in all of his affliction, God was at work. The Greek word describing affliction or tribulation gives the idea of inner pressure felt from outer factors. TIP: Emphasize the comfort God provides in the lives of His children. Encourage students to look for opportunities to share God s comfort with someone who is hurting this week. But God had a greater purpose than comforting Paul. Through God s comfort, the apostle would be able to comfort others who are in any kind of affliction. Thus, an important and useful principle of Christian service and living comes from this verse. Namely, Christ-followers do not exist in a bubble. We are not islands to ourselves. We are part of a body, a family of believers, and we belong to one another. God, our Source of comfort in trials, never intended His comfort to be for our benefit alone. Rather, what we receive from Him, we should pass on to others. As we are comforted, we anticipate and look forward to sharing His comfort with others. When it comes to believers in the church struggling with mental illness, that means we care for them rather than ostracizing them. That means we pray for them rather than neglecting them, and we reach out to them rather than abandoning them. Paul was (and we today are) able to comfort others because the sufferings of Christ overflow to us. That is an essential point: through Christ, Paul s comfort overflowed. Christ was the center and source of all comfort. Overflow was a commercial term meaning profit or surplus. Regardless of any sufferings believers endure, including mental illnesses, they will never be any match for the comfort extended by God. His comfort has not nor will it ever be outweighed by any suffering. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 155
IMPART (10 MINUTES) STUDY THE BIBLE The Point: Christians are to care for those suffering from mental illness. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:6-7 6 2 CORINTHIANS 1:6-7 DISCUSS: Ask students to answer the question, What are some similarities and differences between physical illness and mental illness? SAY: God can even use difficult things for the good of others and for His glory. Both distress and comfort, when experienced in the life of a Christfollower, work for good in the lives of others who are struggling. READ: Read or have a volunteer read the following: This wisdom from God runs contrary to the wisdom of this world. According to human logic, it simply does not make sense. Let s look at our problems in another way: nothing is wasted in this life. YY James 1:2-4 tells us that struggles and trials can build perseverance and spiritual endurance in our lives. YY Romans 5:3-4 helps us see that character and hope is the outcome these struggles and trials can bring. Who doesn t wish for perseverance, character, or hope? It is an amazing attribute of God that He would give us these things in the midst of struggle and trial. It is true that much good comes to us, but 2 Corinthians 1:6-7 points beyond our own advantage and growth; Paul calls us to use what has happened to us for the aid and benefit of others. God can use our difficulties to comfort others. Instead of running from or hiding our difficulties, let s ask God to use our struggles in a way that would bring honor and glory to Him. One of the best ways to do that is to help and comfort others even in the midst of our own difficulties. DISCUSS: Ask students to answer the question, As God s people, what can we do to care for those with mental illness? 156 BONUS SESSION
Commentary 2 CORINTHIANS 1:6-7 Paul moved towards the climax of his praise to God for comfort in his trials. It is a remarkable conclusion based on the confidence he expressed considering the relationship he had with the church in Corinth. Some among them actually criticized the apostle because of his suffering in his ministry, and cast doubts about his authority among the Corinthians. In their estimation, no apostle would boast or have confidence about personal tribulation. Yet Paul found reason for confidence his sufferings benefited other followers of Jesus. We, too, can impact others as God grants encouragement to us in the midst of our difficulties including mental illness. No Christian stands alone. We are bound together. Paul explained his affliction served to benefit the Corinthians. If, he wrote, he was afflicted, it was for their comfort and salvation. As Paul suffered in the pursuit of his calling and ministry in the gospel, his readers could take comfort and know their salvation came as a result. Likewise, if Paul was comforted, it was for their comfort. This encouragement would be experienced in the same sufferings Paul suffered. Literally, their comfort would be energized as they too were afflicted and comforted by God. Paul elsewhere wrote that all who live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12). Suffering, persecution, and affliction are a fact of life for faithful followers of Jesus. But we do not experience these on our own if we follow God s pattern for our lives. We may suffer, but God brings comfort. Our comfort, then, affects and encourages other believers as we reach out to them. Both suffering and comfort serve to energize not only our spiritual lives, but also our ministry. The conclusion is reached. Paul s hope for his readers was firm. There was no doubting the outcome in his mind. As they shared in the sufferings, they would also share in the comfort. Though many translations insert our, the word is absent in the Greek. It was not Paul s sufferings and comfort they would experience, but the sufferings and the comfort from God. For too long, followers of Jesus have not accepted the challenge of bringing the comfort of Christ to those suffering from mental illness. They suffer in our silence. The vast majority of believers and congregations are not equipped to deal with mental illness, but we can still take action. We can commit ourselves to sharing the gospel, offering others access to the peace and comfort of God. We can come alongside sufferers with our presence, prayers, and practical acts of encouragement. We can get informed on mental illness and become more deeply involved through offering resources and information. We can train professionals and laypersons to deal better with those in our churches. We can provide financial assistance for people in need of treatment. In the end, we can become the heart and hands of the Savior to a group long-neglected, yet desperately in need of our help. TIP: Provide specific steps students can take if a friend or family member is struggling with depression or other mental illness. One of the best things we can do for those suffering is simply be there when life seems dark and overwhelming. TIP: Always make sure students know you are available to talk. As a Christian adult in their lives, you can provide a listening ear and biblical perspective in many situations. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 157
IMPACT (10 MINUTES) APPLY IT SAY: Knowing that God uses our struggles and trials to grow us spiritually, how can we live out what we have learned? TIP: Above all, encourage students to show the love of Christ to those who are hurting. Challenge students to take notice of a friend or acquaintance who seems to be going through a difficult time and take steps to encourage that person. READ: Ask for a volunteer to read aloud a few ways students can take what they have learned and Apply It. YY Set up a regular prayer time. Surrender yourself to God and make yourself available to be used by Him. Ask God to help you find someone who needs an encouraging word. YY Deepen your walk with the Lord so that when trouble comes, you seek to grow through it, not just escape it. Do we really believe that God is strong enough to use every part of life, including the negative, to teach us something new? I believe the answer is yes. YY Raise awareness. Help people within your sphere of influence to become more sensitive to those who are struggling with mental and emotional illness. GUIDE: Lead students to consider which of the three suggested responses to the Bible study most closely applies to them and their current circumstances. ASK: Which of these responses do you personally need to focus on most as you live this session out? Allow time for responses. WRAP UP PRAY: Close in prayer, asking God to bring peace and healing to those dealing with mental illness and to also empower your students to show the love of Christ to those hurting. ASK: Ask students about last week s Live It Out options. Discuss any responses and encourage students as they choose to apply the Bible to their lives. GUIDE: Encourage students to complete one or both of the Live It Out activities for the week. Let them know you will discuss them next time you meet. For free online training on how to lead a group visit MinistryGrid.com/web/BibleStudiesForLife 158 BONUS SESSION
LEADER LIVE IT OUT To find the One Conversation for all ages, visit www.biblestudiesforlife.com. Before the session, challenge yourself to grow with your students through this Live It Out. Prayer Time Romans 12:12 Notes: Jesus sustains us in difficult times. He is our Healer. As the body of Christ, we have the responsibility to remind one another of that truth. We also have the privilege of consistently encouraging and praying for one another. While we may not always see the answers, the Lord honors the persistent prayers of those who love Him. Commit to pray diligently for those you know who are struggling with emotional and mental illnesses. This may be a long journey, but you can choose to fight alongside them through the power of prayer. Determine a time you will set aside each day to pray specifically for others. Journal your prayers this week. ONE CONVERSATION Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:2-7 Topic: Comfort Use these discussion starters to help foster a spiritual conversation with your family. THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: We readily pray for each other when we re dealing with sickness, surgeries, cancer, or some chronic illness. Mental illness, on the other hand, is not often mentioned. Mental illness can take many forms, and it is estimated that 1 in 10 people suffer from depression. People suffering from mental illness are all around us, including the church. We should not ignore it or look the other way. The Bible gives us direction on how we can help those who suffer. STUDENTS THE POINT: Christians are to care for those suffering from mental illness. Do you have know someone who suffers with mental illness? Discuss with your student the different perceptions of mental illness in the church. Have a conversation around this quote: I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. 1 Mother Teresa 1. Mother Teresa Quotes, Brainy Quote, [cited March 24, 2014]. Available from the Internet: http://www.brainyquote.com. LIVE IT OUT: Your student has been encouraged to do one or both Live It Out activities in the Personal Study Guide. Here are some suggested ways to help your student: If your student chooses to do Raise Awareness: Research mental illness with your student. Discuss with your student how you can both help educate others about mental illness. If your student chooses to do Prayer Time: Pray together for people in the church who suffer with mental illness. Lead your student in being an encourager to those in the church who are suffering with mental illness. BIBLE STUDIES FOR LIFE 159