Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Rebuke someone for depression?

       I was listening to a sermon on the radio a few hours ago by Carl Robbins, reformed Pastor from I don't know where. He was focusing on James 1:2, " Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials..." Pastor nearly shocked me when he said there are many sins that would bring an open rebuke from the church, but who would think that depression could deserve such a reprimand? Honestly, I do not think I've ever thought of depression as a sin.                                                      My experience with depression has been fairly minor, not that I haven't had major issues in my life to grieve over, but I simply had to carry on with responsibilities in spite of overwhelming emotions. Part of this I believe, comes from having a large family with many young children who depend on me and no one else available to care for them.                                                                                 Pastor Robbins continued to teach on James 1:3 ..."the testing of your faith produces endurance". It actually encouraged me very much because he reminded me that God is working good in all that we go through & God is changing our character for the good, especially through difficulties it seems.                                                                                                                                                     I really WANT God to change my character. I am GLAD He is changing me for the good. If He chooses trials as part of that process, then so be it. I am learning to LIKE REBUKE as well. There is something joyful in it! I don't understand it but I REALLY LIKED that sermon! I feel better about my problems, not so much like God is punishing me but that He really is doing something good in me!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia

2 comments:

  1. It's an interesting thought. I suppose, in some ways, it could be considered a sin . . . and yet there are some people who struggle with depression as a mental illness. Would that be considered a sin, too? Certainly we ought to fight and pray for joy - even when it's hardest. Thank you for bringing this up, Cynthia. I look forward to thinking about the idea more.

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  2. What a great post. Sometimes character is translated habits. I thought it was an interesting discovery. Endurance forms character or habits. I really liked your insights.

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