EMOTIONAL HEALTH 101

Key Verse:  (Proverbs 17:22)  “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” 

The unforgiving heart and forgiveness:

• An unforgiving heart is called sin.
• Forgiveness:  reduces chronic stress and increases one’s sense of control

No matter how badly you’ve been hurt, unforgiveness will cause your health to suffer and, more importantly, will separate you from your heavenly Father.  Always remember Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” 

Stress

Statistics show that between 70% and 80% of all visits to physicians are for stress-related disorders.  Chronic stress directly affects the immune system, and, if not effectively dealt with, can seriously compromise health.  Stress can be defined as a reaction to any stimulus or challenge that upsets normal function and disturbs mental or physical health.  It can be brought on by internal conditions such as illness, pain, or emotional conflict, or by external circumstances such as a death in the family or financial problems. 

Even a positive experience—a new marriage, a job promotion, or financial gain—can be a stress-provoking event.  Fortunately, stress and its effects can be reduced through exercise, relaxation therapies, diet and nutrition, and lifestyle changes—including management of harmful emotions.