Helping other Christians....I am getting stuck at something.

[hamletcat]

I often try to help other Christians who have mental illnesses because I have a background in psychology. Typically what I do is discuss aspects of Christian beliefs and try to relate it to what they are going through personally. Sometimes what I say is really helpful, but sometimes I get stuck when I tell them to "pray to the father and ask for forgiveness." Sometimes when they do this it doesn't work. In other words, the weight of sin is so heavy (guilt etc.) that prayer to the father doesn't release them from their suffering. So then I tell them to try "atonement" for sin. I tell them to try to make it up to whomever they felt they hurt. But then I wonder, is that really what Jesus said to do? It sounds logical but I think that is my own idea, not what Jesus said to do.

Any opinions about this approach? Is there something else I could be doing that might be better? I'm pretty new to Christian faith so I need some guidance. Thanks so much.

[enoob57]

It is in the Scripture-

Luke 19:8

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of

my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man

by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

KJV

In fact you cant have true repentance of your sin and keep the love of things over the love

of people... it is a supernatural produce of new birth into the family of God! Love, Steven

[Littlelambseativy]

If we want God to forgive us we must first forgive others - even though it is a perceived wrong. Then we must ask God to help us forgive ourselves. Some have a hard time forgiving self. This can be a difficult thing. It is easier to ask God to forgive us.

[Fez]

I often try to help other Christians who have mental illnesses because I have a background in psychology. Typically what I do is discuss aspects of Christian beliefs and try to relate it to what they are going through personally. Sometimes what I say is really helpful, but sometimes I get stuck when I tell them to "pray to the father and ask for forgiveness." Sometimes when they do this it doesn't work. In other words, the weight of sin is so heavy (guilt etc.) that prayer to the father doesn't release them from their suffering. So then I tell them to try "atonement" for sin. I tell them to try to make it up to whomever they felt they hurt. But then I wonder, is that really what Jesus said to do? It sounds logical but I think that is my own idea, not what Jesus said to do.

Any opinions about this approach? Is there something else I could be doing that might be better? I'm pretty new to Christian faith so I need some guidance. Thanks so much.

Don't ask them to pray for forgiveness, it is the last thing they want to hear in their state.

 

Teach them that they have already been forgiven by the Blood, and teach them to pray for Jesus to heal them, that His will be done in their lives. Their illness (been there, done that), may not be anything to do with having to be forgiven.

[ncn]

 

I often try to help other Christians who have mental illnesses because I have a background in psychology. Typically what I do is discuss aspects of Christian beliefs and try to relate it to what they are going through personally. Sometimes what I say is really helpful, but sometimes I get stuck when I tell them to "pray to the father and ask for forgiveness." Sometimes when they do this it doesn't work. In other words, the weight of sin is so heavy (guilt etc.) that prayer to the father doesn't release them from their suffering. So then I tell them to try "atonement" for sin. I tell them to try to make it up to whomever they felt they hurt. But then I wonder, is that really what Jesus said to do? It sounds logical but I think that is my own idea, not what Jesus said to do.

Any opinions about this approach? Is there something else I could be doing that might be better? I'm pretty new to Christian faith so I need some guidance. Thanks so much.

Don't ask them to pray for forgiveness, it is the last thing they want to hear in their state.

 

Teach them that they have already been forgiven by the Blood, and teach them to pray for Jesus to heal them, that His will be done in their lives. Their illness (been there, done that), may not be anything to do with having to be forgiven.

 

 

Amen.

Love them, show them love . 

In everything you do, let the love shine from your every word and action. 

[FreeinChrist]

 

I often try to help other Christians who have mental illnesses because I have a background in psychology. Typically what I do is discuss aspects of Christian beliefs and try to relate it to what they are going through personally. Sometimes what I say is really helpful, but sometimes I get stuck when I tell them to "pray to the father and ask for forgiveness." Sometimes when they do this it doesn't work. In other words, the weight of sin is so heavy (guilt etc.) that prayer to the father doesn't release them from their suffering. So then I tell them to try "atonement" for sin. I tell them to try to make it up to whomever they felt they hurt. But then I wonder, is that really what Jesus said to do? It sounds logical but I think that is my own idea, not what Jesus said to do.

Any opinions about this approach? Is there something else I could be doing that might be better? I'm pretty new to Christian faith so I need some guidance. Thanks so much.

Don't ask them to pray for forgiveness, it is the last thing they want to hear in their state.

 

Teach them that they have already been forgiven by the Blood, and teach them to pray for Jesus to heal them, that His will be done in their lives. Their illness (been there, done that), may not be anything to do with having to be forgiven.

 

 

Excellent advice Fez.

 

 

 

I often try to help other Christians who have mental illnesses because I have a background in psychology. Typically what I do is discuss aspects of Christian beliefs and try to relate it to what they are going through personally. Sometimes what I say is really helpful, but sometimes I get stuck when I tell them to "pray to the father and ask for forgiveness." Sometimes when they do this it doesn't work. In other words, the weight of sin is so heavy (guilt etc.) that prayer to the father doesn't release them from their suffering. So then I tell them to try "atonement" for sin. I tell them to try to make it up to whomever they felt they hurt. But then I wonder, is that really what Jesus said to do? It sounds logical but I think that is my own idea, not what Jesus said to do.

Any opinions about this approach? Is there something else I could be doing that might be better? I'm pretty new to Christian faith so I need some guidance. Thanks so much.

Don't ask them to pray for forgiveness, it is the last thing they want to hear in their state.

 

Teach them that they have already been forgiven by the Blood, and teach them to pray for Jesus to heal them, that His will be done in their lives. Their illness (been there, done that), may not be anything to do with having to be forgiven.

 

 

Amen.

Love them, show them love . 

In everything you do, let the love shine from your every word and action. 

 

 

I second that Amen.

 

[hamletcat]

Thank you! I just figured out where I am probably going wrong.

Other opinions are still welcome, I think the "fog" is starting to lift now.

[Guest]

Based on your other topic postings, I don't believe that you are mature enough in the Lord to be counseling others about Christian topics.

[Fez]

Based on your other topic postings, I don't believe that you are mature enough in the Lord to be counseling others about Christian topics.

This is true. I suggest one step at a time. Find a good church, get good teaching, read and meditate on the Word, and above all pray.

 

The rest will come in time and at God's will for you.

[kwikphilly]

Blessings hamletcat.....

     The last thing I want to do is sound sarcastic or rude and I definitely do not want to discourage you ,not in the least......you seem genuinely concerned about others and very excited to share with others the Joy you have in the Lord ,,,,,so please,dear one......understand that what I say comes from my heart because I care,because we are both members of the Same Body and together is how we are effective.........

      Having a background in psychology does not certify you or give you license to treat patients with mental illness,tread carefully,,,,,,,plus,in the world of science & medicine(my background)we are taught about biological,physical dysfunctions,chemical imbalances and many other facts ,logical explanations that make perfect sense...,they are reasonable,sensible  & logical by the standards of our own intellect and the education we receive...........sometimes(most times)this contradicts walking by faith & not by sight,believing in the Power of the Holy Spirit & Deliverance from Strongholds & bondage      Until you have reached a place of spiritual maturity and by the Power of the Holy Spirit you receive the revelation of how these 2 seemingly opposing belief systems can actually compliment one another then I would seriously recommend much prayer,treading Gods Word,getting firmly rooted & grounded but most importantly seeking that close,personal,intimate relationship with our Lord that you can be not a hinderance to the Holy Spirit ........the Power that works through us,that leads us,He guides us & gives us discernment,Wisdom & Understanding

     I am sorry that I am long winded this time around,I much prefer short,sweet & to the point but in this case,dealing with those that are labeled as having a "mental illness",a wrong approach can do severe damage.............can you Minister to a person who is taking Lithium or mao inhibitor drugs & tell them,"stop your meds,let get you delivered".......if they are not ready to receive ,they will not & this could be a fatal error.....so perhaps you are just simply saying that you have some knowledge in the field of psychology & you believe you can help,idk but I would not want to take any chances

    There is nothing like the excitement of a new believer,share that,,,,,,what you discovered at the foot of the cross,,,,,,the Love,the Joy ,the Forgiveness,the Freedom,the Peace ,the Comfort & HOLD ON to that excitement.......pray the Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of those you meet along your way.ask Him to use you Guide you Lead you and love,love,love,,,,kindness,compassion,gentleness ,,,that is how you help ,no matter how young or old in the Lord,,,,it is He,Christ abiding in you that does it all.................I hope you keep that sincere,compassionate  & willing heart (all of your days)but listen for that still small voice & if you feel "stuck" & do not know what to say ,,,,often it simply means"listen"

                                                                                                              With love-in Christ,Kwik