The Connection Between Spiritual Maturity and Mental Health

As individuals seek to cultivate well-balanced mental health, the connection between spirituality and mental health is becoming more clear. Many individuals want to have a deeper connection with God. They want to understand how to cultivate a life of peace and hope.

People want to understand who they are and how that relates to God’s plan. Spiritual maturity is defined by the way a person lives their life as they walk with Jesus. It is a lifestyle that deviates from self and connects with God’s will.

And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 3:15, NASB

The Effects of Spiritual Maturity on Mental Health

Spiritual maturity generates a positive mindset that can affect various areas of life. People with chronic illnesses tend to seek a deeper connection with God. This connection affects the way they cope with and manage symptoms. This connection isn’t just related to physical illness, but mental health disorders can also be affected by spiritual maturity.

Treating mental health disorders with the help of faith-based plans can influence the treatment type and time. Those with spiritual maturity are more likely to work through issues at a different rate than those who struggle with spirituality.

Protection Against Depression

The connection between spiritual maturity and depression shows that when a person is using a faith-based plan they will experience a decrease in the symptoms as well as the negative thought processes related to depression.

Increase in Self-Esteem

Spiritual maturity can enhance self-esteem because they are empowered by choosing to follow God and seeing their worth through His eyes.

Help With Self-Control

Understanding spiritual maturity creates an internal desire to have self-control because of the knowledge that some things cannot be changed.

Inner Peace Which Can Help With Recovery

When someone connects with God they develop a sense of peace that overcomes negative mindsets. Creating a positive mindset by reading God’s Word will help them recover from illness.

A Support System

When there is spiritual maturity there is a knowledge that no one is alone. Everyone experiences hard times, and people are often willing to stand in the gap and pray with others.

Better Relationships

Through the support system, relationships are built. Some relationships are strengthened when people take the time to connect. These relationships are connected because of the mutual desire to pursue God and His will.

What does spiritual maturity look like?

Spiritual maturity is far from what most people believe it to be. It doesn’t have anything to do with age or how long you have been following Jesus. Understanding what spiritual maturity looks like begins with understanding what God desires in our relationship with Him.

God wants us to pursue a relationship with Him that will cultivate growth. This comes from studying the Bible and learning how to apply its precepts to daily living. Here are the characteristics of a spiritually mature Christian.

A posture of patience and prayerfulness

This type of posture projects the image of depending on God. A spiritually mature person will understand that waiting is part of the lifestyle of following the precepts of God. Does the person pray without ceasing?

Communication that builds up

Being spiritually mature means that a person understands how the words they speak can affect those around them. Does the person mind the words they speak?

A desire to live peacefully with others

Being spiritually mature creates a desire to walk in peace with others. Does the person pursue peace and refuse to partake in troublesome behavior?

In times of trouble, a spiritually mature person will remain positive

Every believer knows that they will face hard times. It is their response to the hard times that will reflect their maturity. They will face the trouble and remain in the joy of the Lord. Does this person handle problems in a way that portrays confidence in Jesus?

The focus is on others and not on self

Being spiritually mature means that there is less focus on self and more focus on how the needs of others can be met. Does this person have a sensitivity to others?

Conclusion

Being spiritually mature has many benefits for our overall well-being. Spirituality can be a positive influence on mental health which can ultimately affect a person’s physical health. A person’s faith can create healthy coping skills based on God’s word. These coping skills can be beneficial in treating various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and behavior disorders.

The Christian counselors at our location are trained to walk you through mental illness in a way that points to Christ. To connect with a Christian counselor to get more information about the connection between mental health and spiritual maturity, contact our office today.