DEPRESSION.

We are starting a new feature by answering questions. This week we will be focusing on questions about depression.

Is depression a sin?

Depression is mentioned throughout the Bible as a number of major figures dealt with periods of extreme sadness. There are times in life when things can be very difficult and there are a lot of factors at play that contribute to depression. We do not believe that depression in itself is a sin; however, it is important to guard your heart and not allow depression to open doors to sin, such as turning to vices to combat the depression.

How do I fight depression biblically?

As we mentioned in the previous reply there are many factors at play contributing to depression. We do recognize that spiritual warfare can play a big role in depression. It is essential to place our trust in God as things in this world are unstable and if we place our value and trust in them we will be let down. Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” We need to place our full reliance on

Him and realize we serve a sovereign God who keeps his word. James 1:2-4 tells us “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Seek council in the word of God and pray and realize this world is beyond our control, but God is faithful.

How can we reach out and help those around us who are depressed?

Most of us are not equipped to deal with serious cases of depression. Love and empathy can go a long way. Sometimes people need to be heard and express themselves to someone who won’t judge them as depression is often misunderstood and even carries a large stigma in many cultures. As believers it is important to pray for them and share the hope we have and be there for them as a friend. If their depression is very extreme (leading to harm of self or others) then it is important to not remain silent, but also do so in a way that is sensitive to the person’s feelings.