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The final topic of this project is self compassion. In proximity to faith and faith-based healing spaces, self compassion has been a topic that is not directly communicated when Christians experience lack of forgiveness of self for their past troubles. The battle between self correction and self compassion is often a futile battle for uninformed Christians.

Self compassion is a “non-critical stance towards one’s inadequacies and failures” (APA, 2023).

James Wilhoit explains in the article Self-Compassion as a Christian Spiritual Practice that “restoring the Christian Soul begins with a discussion of the virtue of self-acceptance,” further referring to self-hatred as “the traitor within when temptation comes.” He notes our failure to accept ourselves as the “first great barrier to wholeness in Christ” (Wilhoit, pg. 74, 2019).

While the value of self-compassion has been disputed, Colossians chapter 3 verse 12 states, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies,kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”(KJV, 1604, Colossians 3:12). This theme will conclude the last episode of this project.

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The American Psychological Association (2023) defines mindfulness as “awareness of one’s internal states and surroundings”. The book of Ephesians chapter 5 verses 15 - 17 tells Christians to live in a similar practice. “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” (KJV, 1604, Ephesians 5:15-17).

Extensive research has documented the many benefits of mindfulness, even in single instances. A study performed in 2019 to resolve if a single mindfulness practice, LKM (loving-kindness mindfulness), would evoke benefits of practicing mindfulness determined that, “Importantly, even with very brief interventions, we succeeded in documenting that mindfulness meditation was associated with enhanced positive affect immediately after meditation, and LKM was related to greater compassion for others compared with controls.” (Polizzi et al, p. 374, 2022). This research aligns with the belief of walking circumspectly that is also displayed in the Bible.

Mindfulness is the awareness and acknowledgement of where we are, in the present moment, rather than allowing our pasts to interfere..

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Vulnerability is one of the key aspects of growth in your spiritual life and in your mental health. According to APA, vulnerability is “susceptibility to developing a condition, disorder, or disease when exposed to specific agents or conditions” (APA definitions, 2023). However, vulnerability is also the catalyst to greatness and positive change. Vulnerability and courage expert, Brene Brown, says “Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection” (Brown, 2010). Scriptures such as Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” challenge many Christians when they try to put faith into practice, because faith requires vulnerability. In this episode of the podcast, I explore how we can shift the way we think about vulnerability, as we allow God to create purpose out of pain.

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The Depressed Christian is the intro episode for this project. The first half of the episode is a retelling of my journey through: depression as a Christian, leaning on my faith as my main form of encouragement, developing an understanding of depression and its characteristics. The second half is a navigation of the life of Elijah the prophet and his journey through depression. The American Psychological Association describes depression as a “negative affective state, ranging from unhappiness and discontent to an extreme feeling of sadness, pessimism, and despondency, that interferes with daily life. Various physical, cognitive, and social changes also tend to co-occur, including altered eating or sleeping habits, lack of energy or motivation, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and withdrawal from social activities”( APA, 2023). Clinical treatment for depression (ex. CBT) has been shown to be more effective when a client’s faith perception is included in the treatment. “In other words, therapists help clients to harness their religious resources and worldview to challenge and change dysfunctional beliefs and behaviors in order to reduce depressive symptoms” (Pearce et al., 2014). This theme will be the catalyst for further exploration for Christians with mental health disorders and struggles.