Mental
and Spiritual Health
Jesus taught that the two greatest commandments are: “Love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
He stated that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these two
commandments (Matt. 22:37-40). It could
be argued that all mental and spiritual health does also. With an understanding that love is
wholehearted devotion to what is in the best interest of others, could a more
incisive description of mental and spiritual health be given? Anyone who truly
and maturely loves God, others, and oneself cannot, by definition, be
significantly compromised by mental or spiritual malady. Therefore, anything we can do to improve our
mental and spiritual health will also contribute to our ability to love, and as
we learn to love better, we become mentally and spiritually healthier. In this
light, consider the poetic proverb, “There is a time for everything. . . a time
to weep and a time to laugh.” [Eccles. 3:1, 4]
The
Psychological, Social, and Physical Benefits of Crying
One way we can become healthier (and holier) is to learn to
cry when it is appropriate. Responsible crying indicates we are aware of our
own feelings and are free to express them.
It can also demonstrate our sensitivity to others. When Job’s friends came to comfort him in his
time of trouble and loss, they greeted him with loud weeping (Job 2:11-12), and
their compassionate presence eventually helped Job begin to verbalize his
anguish and confusion. Peter taught that
Christ suffered for us, providing us an example to follow (1 Pe. 2:21). Since Jesus cried when he felt uncomfortable,
should we not also (Jn. 11:35)? Crying was
practiced by men and women of God all throughout the Bible, as any concordance
will show, and appears to be evidence of healthy and realistic self-expression,
as well as manifestations of loving concern.
Historical and scientific research on crying indicates that
it is a timeless universal practice probably related to non-verbal stress
management. We tend to cry when talking is most difficult. Crying is a physical act that seems to
contribute to our survival by giving relief to strong emotions that would
otherwise tax our bodies if not expressed. The consensus is that appropriate
crying is an ability to be respected and exercised—along with its counterpart,
appropriate laughing.
The
Psychological, Social, and Physical Benefits of Laughing
Laughing is another behavior found in Scripture that seems
beneficial when properly practiced.
Proverbs 17:22 tells us that “a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a
crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Seemingly, there are therapeutic advantages to joy and laughter, and
Jesus suggests that such a merry state of mind and heart will someday replace
the tears of this present world for his disciples (Lk. 6:21). Similar to crying, laughing is a muscular
action that results in physical relaxation and emotional relief when
practiced. Investigators have found that
better health recovery and maintenance may be associated with an ability to
enjoy humor and to laugh, probably because of its stress management benefits.
Laughter has also been shown to be a well-respected social
lubricant, relaxing people and contributing to a sense of camaraderie. Being
able to laugh at oneself or the irony of a social situation reduces distress
and proves winsome. Recently, my twenty-three year old daughter and I were
talking on the phone about her disappointing relationship with a young man. She
was crying because the friendship seemed to be ending. In an effort to affirm
her by reframing the experience I said, “Well, Michelle, at least you know you
don’t have commitment issues,” to which she replied with more tears, “But I do
have commitment issues. I commit to everybody!” Then we both burst out
laughing, which was a pleasant relief.
While some humor and laughter is inappropriate and
destructive because it lacks love for God, others, or self, the person
committed to mental and spiritual health will seek responsible opportunities to
generate laughter in self and others, perhaps bringing a smile to Jesus’ face
as well.
Rick Sholette, M.Div., Th.M
Author and Counselor
Paraclete Ministries
www.paracleteministries-rsholette.com
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