Many sincere and loving Christians are asking, “What does God say about antidepressants?” or “Is it a sin to take antidepressants?”

The short answer is, “According to Scripture … and God’s heart, it’s okay to take medication for your mental health challenges and any other health conditions.” For ongoing severe mental and emotional challenges, along with therapy and a whole health approach, antidepressants (and similar psychotropic medications) can be a great resource within our faith experience (not a lack of faith).

This is a complex topic for many Christians, so we cover it with practical tips within our curriculums for individuals (Living Grace and Thrive) and their families/marriages (Family Grace).

However, whether you are currently on medication, considering taking medication, or comfortable without medication, let’s explore how the Scriptures reveal an optimistic view on this topic and end with some helpful tips!

The general misconception:

The “Jesus is enough for everything” counsel makes taking medications a personal faith-failure issue, not a faith-building experience.

This topic comes with embarrassment, shame, and guilt in many Christian circles. Why? Because when it comes to our “hearts and minds,” we sometimes hear an underlying message that says, “Jesus is enough for all your needs (hearts and minds).” It comes across as if our emotional and mental challenges are just spiritual problems, thus, remedied by spiritual disciplines (i.e., faithfulness to God). With this “Jesus is enough” perspective, I've heard countless stories of loving and well-meaning Christian leaders advising others to avoid or stop taking medications to simply trust God for mental and emotional relief and healing (even after they have been diagnosed).

Overall, if the “spiritual disciplines” don’t work, this approach makes medication a last resort — which comes across as a personal failure issue (weak or lack of faith). Shame sets in because we feel judged as weak and defeated.

The counsel can turn into self-worth doubt, “Am I enough.”

For those who may need and do well with these medications, this “Jesus is enough” leaves them with confusing thoughts like, “I love Jesus, but am I not trusting Him … is my faith lacking?” Ultimately, they aren’t left questioning whether Jesus is enough, but, “Am I enough?” Why? Because every time they take their medication, it feels like they’re taking in more defeat than building up their most holy faith! I think God sees a faith journey with medication, not a lack thereof. We need to broaden the conversation through Scripture.

I’ll discuss more practicals at the end, but I think this topic isn’t so much about who’s right or wrong or trying to find “the right balance.” Instead, having a “broader” understanding through Scripture. A broader perspective helps us have a more comprehensive, more informed dialogue.

Understanding the Hebrew context of “Body” as you read Scripture.

Since the Bible is rooted in a Jewish context, we must consider the Jewish context and the meaning of how they viewed various topics and spirituality, including the “body.”

Within Hebrew culture and spiritual ideology, we are a soul with a body. The body is like the wings of a bird; the bird cannot be a bird without its wings. Though the body is “material," it is part of a spiritual whole. The body is the vessel of the soul to carry out its divine gifting, ability, and purpose. Thus, our wings (i.e., our bodies) must be cared for as a sacred part of our spiritual, whole self. This is why the Jewish customs included dietary laws (for foods that would provide health and healing to our bodies) and prayers to thank and bless our food. This was a practice of gratitude and spiritual blessing of the food God has provided to elevate its energy so that the body and soul are in harmony for its divine purpose. Jesus continued this practice by blessing their food before a meal … even multiplying it (Exodus 23:25, Matt. 14:19, 26:26, Luke 24:30).

That simple prayer before meals has deep spiritual meaning and purpose with our body.

God cares for our health (sickness in any form). As we’ll see, you can see why medical care is of high value to God throughout the Old and New Testaments. This is why Jesus spent most of his time healing and ministering to the sick/brokenhearted … to restore whole life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Again, to live fully in God’s design for ourselves, others, and the world.

Yes, some have “bodily” (and “brain”) limitations, and with medical intervention available, they still have a divine purpose in expressing God’s goodness. The limitations may still exist, but food, medicine, and care all matter to the body (we cover this in our Thrive workbook, Physical section). To this point, I have seen individuals diagnosed with a severe mental illness (SMI); with their medical treatment and other whole-health care, they live fully and have a Kingdom impact on many others.

That being said, like blessing our food before we partake of it - we ought to consider praying to bless our medication in the same spirit of faith and hope (even if imperfect as it is - God can guide us through the process to the right intervention; see below for medication tips).

Perspective #1 - Medicine and doctors are divine blessings.

God knows we live in a world where we are all susceptible to illness, disease, and other health issues (physical, mental, and emotional). Thus, you can find various places throughout the Bible where God and His people provide healing through the conventional medicine of the day. It's a blessing, not a faith hindrance.

Here are a few examples:

• Medicine as God’s means of healing. In Isaiah 38, King Hezekiah is "mortally ill" with a skin disease (boils) and cries out in prayer for God's healing. God hears him and says He will extend His life (healing). Hezekiah's healing comes from the medicinal agents of that time, a cake of figs to be applied on his skin. God could have provided immediate healing; instead, God blesses the use of their modern-day medicine. (We use this story in our curriculums for helpful insight and reflection).

• Medicine is the loving thing to do. In Luke 10:34, Jesus highlights how the Good Samaritan goes beyond cultural prejudices to lovingly care for a man who was beaten, robbed, and left for dead. To help the man heal, the Good Samaritan bandages his wounds with the medicinal agents of that time, "oil and wine” (which also have a symbolic spiritual depth or meaning). Jesus highlighted a story where love involved medical care was necessary.
  

 "Is there no balm of Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then has not the daughter of my people been restored?"

– Jeremiah 8:22

• Medicine and doctors as symbols of God’s blessing and restoration. In Jeremiah 8:22, we see the prophet lamenting Jerusalem's lost hope and destruction.  He likens it to the lack of medicine ("balm of Gilead”) and doctors for healing and restoration. This Scripture points out that they had a common practice of having treatment and doctors for their health and healing. Medical care was a practice and a sign of God’s blessing.

• Medicine for the dying and depressed (and anxious). In Biblical times, there was a tradition and practice of using “strong drink” and “wine” for medicinal purposes. “Strong drink” was often used as an anesthetic for those dying or condemned to death to help numb their suffering and pain. On the other hand, “wine” had a wide range of medicinal purposes and was also used for a medicinal effect to help relieve depression/anxiety and for those mourning/grieving (see Proverbs 31:6, Jeremiah 16:7-8 “the cup of consolation”). Both were used for medicinal purposes for physical, mental, and emotional relief, not drunkenness.*

*We are NOT using these passages to promote drinking alcohol for mental, emotional, or physical pain, and we never recommend it to deal with suffering, depression, anxiety, physical pain, etc. We are, instead, showing you, through Scriptural text, how doctors and medicinal agents were part of the faith culture and for mental health challenges.*

Here are some helpful commentaries to see the scriptural account and principle of medicinal purposes of using a “strong drink” (i.e., the medicinal technology of their ancient times) for mental and emotional pain:

• Proverbs 31:6

  Pulpit Commentary: There are cases where strong drink may be properly administered. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish (Job 29:13; Job 31:19). As a restorative, a cordial, or a medicine, wine may be advantageously used; it has a place in the providential economy of God.
  

•  Proverbs 31:6, 7

  Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: The proper use of such drinks is to restore tone to feeble bodies and depressed minds (cf. Psalm 104:15).

  
   Jeremiah 31:7

  Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: The reference is to the custom for mourners to fast (cf. 2 Samuel 3:35), whereupon their sympathetic friends brought them bread and wine to console them; [the cup of consolation] on the principle stated Proverbs 31:6.

*Again, showing the principle of care, not promoting “strong drink”(alcohol), because we have much better alternatives today. Additionally, the Scripture is clear about abusing or being addicted to alcohol (Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:21, Isaiah 5:22, Hosea 4:11, Ephesians 5:18, Titus 2:3).

The point of these passages highlights a principle understanding, custom, and practice among God’s people utilizing doctors and medicinal agents to help relieve suffering, depression/anxiety, and overwhelming grief and to help cure physical ailments.

Doctors and the medicine of our day are a blessing. Therefore, if medicine and doctors are shown as a divine blessing, should we be encouraged to look at our modern-day medicines to help with suffering, depression, anxiety, etc.? Should we use our modern-day “cake of figs,” show love through our modern-day medical care, use our modern-day “balm of Gilead” and doctors, and use our modern-day “cup of consolation” for depression, anxiety, and grief?

Perspective #2 – Medicine is one of the ways God can address our pain (even mental and emotional).

One of the most outstanding leaders of the New Testament Church counsels the use of “medicine.” The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy not to drink water only but to start drinking some wine for his chronic digestive and stomach issues (1 Timothy 5:23). This brings up some interesting discussions about why medicine was promoted instead of instructing Timothy to only “trust God” for healing.  

Here are some interesting thoughts on this experience:

• Medicine as a solution for ongoing pain. Dysentery was a common problem during this time, and wine was widely known for its medicinal purposes in treating it and other health issues (supported through research today). With all the problems and stresses of leading a Church in Ephesus (a polytheistic society, a progressive culture, and false teachers), the pressure may have compounded his dysentery or virus. Many pastors today can relate, as 90% feel fatigued and worn out every week. Whatever the stomach issue was for Timothy, it was chronic and severe enough that Paul was concerned and instructed Timothy to use medicine (wine) to help his ailment/pain. 

• Paul encouraged Timothy to value his health, not avoid it as a strong faith issue. Various scholars point out that Timothy was adamant about not drinking alcohol, as the culture around him abused alcohol, and he wanted to set a godly example without alcohol. Thus, scholars point out that Paul knew this about Timothy and possibly why Timothy wasn’t using alcohol for medicine. So, Paul’s simple encouragement to use it for medicinal purposes also let Timothy know that using “medicine” was not a loss, lack, or failure of faith, and it wasn’t losing his faithful witness. Using medicine didn’t make Timothy any less in the eyes of God or Paul; it was simple medicine to help the healing process … to help regain strength to fulfill his “calling” in life … and he did!

• Medicine as a means for God’s healing process.  Paul saw many incredible miracles through his ministry, including the healing of a disabled man (Acts 14:8-10), the resurrection of a dead man through prayer (Acts 20:9-12), protection from the deadly bite of a poisonous snake (Acts 28:3-6), and even healing and casting out of demons through mere physical contact with Paul’s clothing (Acts 19:11-12). Yet, Paul doesn’t instruct Timothy to pray, believe, and trust God to shake off his illness as Paul did with the poisonous snake. Paul doesn’t touch a handkerchief and sends it to Timothy to be healed. We know Paul was praying for Timothy and the church (2 Timothy 1:3-4), but why weren’t Paul’s prayers working to heal Timothy? We don’t know. However, in this case, Paul's wisdom for Timothy was to take some medicine (wine) for his ailment/pain.

• Medicine as a natural response, not a lack of faith. Along with Paul and others close to him, we can assume Timothy prayed for his ailment to be healed.  Yet, his stomach issues persisted. Still, Paul didn’t accuse Timothy of not trusting God enough or not having enough faith. Paul didn’t assume any spiritual reason (God’s breaking, purging, or sanctifying work, or “the enemy’s” attack), and he didn’t question Timothy’s devotional life in relation to his sickness. Instead, out of love for him, Paul instructed him to use a little medicine (wine) for his ailment/pain.

• Medicine as an answer to prayer. We’re unsure if Paul had known about Timothy’s condition for a long time or if it was the first time Paul learned of it. Either way, Paul’s counsel was the practical use of medicine (wine) for his ailment/pain. Maybe the medicine (wine) was part of God’s practical solution, the answer to prayer?  We also don’t know how long Timothy used the medicine (wine) for healing, whether for a short time or permanently to protect his stomach. However, we can deduce that Timothy, a faithful church leader, followed Paul’s counsel and used the medicine (wine). His stomach issues were either healed or became manageable because Timothy continued to pastor the church for another 34 years.

With these perspectives, medications for our physical, emotional, and mental pains can be part of our faith experience, not hindering it! What do you think?

Medication Tips for your mental and emotional health.

As I mentioned at the beginning, even if you’re comfortable without medications - this is helpful for you to understand the topic in general and have compassion for others. However, if you’re currently or considering taking medication, here are some simple tips to keep in mind:

1. Medication is part of a whole health process, not a pill to make it all disappear. It can be tempting to think – or hope – that everything will go away with a prescription. Unfortunately, this is not the case. It may take the edge off, but matching it with a healthy lifestyle and even therapy will result in the most significant outcome with the most benefits for your overall well-being. As I’ve coached others using our Thrive workbook, the more whole-health balance they had (physical, mental, spiritual, relational), the better their medications seemed to work … and the less they needed to increase or add other medications.

2. Medications can be helpful but are still imperfect, so educate yourself and create a feedback loop with your doctor. Most medications will have minor to problematic side effects. For example, some antidepressants can have more adverse side effects for people age 24 and younger. The key is being educated about medications - not fearing them, just building awareness. With the proper knowledge and communication feedback loop, you and your doctor can figure out the appropriate medications and dosage to make life manageable with minor interference from side effects.

3. Tweaking or changing medications is part of the process, so be patient. It’s very common for some medications not to work or stop working after some time.  In either case, it’s normal to switch to another. For some, your doctor may suggest a mixture of medications. Finding the proper medication is a process that can take a long time, but that's why you want to be educated, communicate well with your doctor, monitor how they work, and be patient with the process.

4. Medications can be short-term or long-term. Everyone is different, and how long you may need medication is not an issue with a lack of faith; it is just a unique journey for each person. Whether short-term, long-term, or more permanent, your doctor will help you evaluate your specific needs. 

5. Medication is a faith-building experience. Ultimately, we rely on doctors and God’s love, care, and wisdom to be evident in the process. Like King Hezekiah (Isaiah 38), we're praying and relying on God to give us and the doctors wisdom to find the proper medication and process to help us thrive.

AND YES … we should respond to our stressful hearts and minds with our spiritual values and practices with a grace-filled perspective and a whole-health/holistic approach (which we cover in many of our articles and resource materials). Add in the medicine and doctors (and therapists) where needed, and I believe it can be a valuable part of the faith experience.

One Important Last Note: Not everyone will agree, but leave room for healthy discourse, not division.

As you journey through this topic, you may encounter others who will adamantly disagree. Please try not to use this article or information to defend yourself … or try to win the argument.  Instead, use it for your graceful discovery and as a healthy dialogue with others.

Biblical discourse is a healthy skill, not just an attitude. So, allow others to disagree with you; it doesn’t make them right and you wrong. Make it a discovery learning experience. Even afterward, if they still disagree with you, be okay with them disagreeing with you; you’re not any less, nor are they. Sometimes, people need time to understand and process new ideas and paradigms. Even with a sharp disagreement, you can still have a great relationship. I have some intelligent friends with whom we differ on various topics and respectfully discourse … and we have fun and great friendships, too. We all need a learning curve of grace-giving and receiving.

Joe Padilla | The Grace Alliance

We cover this topic with helpful tools in our workbooks below.

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