6 Ways Stress Is Damaging to the Church (and How to Correct It)

Each of those Scriptural mandates assumes the ability of the Holy Spirit for its success. No one can determine to like and look after their enemies and their combatants without an ongoing spiritual transformation by God’s Spirit. The tender and tedious strategy of learning how you can care and support each other is the complete gospel—living proof that Jesus Christ makes us all “latest creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

1. Work out your differences compassionately. “Therefore, in the event you are offering your gift on the altar and there keep in mind that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-25).

2. Love each other by granting forgiveness. “A latest command I offer you: Love each other. As I actually have loved you, so you could love each other. By this everyone will know that you just are my disciples, in the event you love each other” (John 13:34-35).

3. Shift your mindset to the spiritual realm. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you’ll have the opportunity to check and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and ideal will” (Romans 12:2).

4. Starve sin. “Put to death, due to this fact, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5)

5. Pray about every little thing. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

6. Test all communication against God’s truth. “Dear friends, don’t imagine every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether or not they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). 

Probably essentially the most detrimental Christian ideology is the idea that stress is helpful, normal, desired, and even essential for achievement within the ministry of the gospel. We must abolish all unhealthy stress by taking intentional motion to live and walk within the Spirit of God, to value what God values, and to like who God loves.

“Jesus replied: ‘ “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind.” This is the primary and best commandment. And the second is prefer it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’ ” (Matthew 22:37-40).

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Sue Schlesman is an award-winning creator, freelance author, speaker, and ministry leader. Through print, online, radio, and podcast mediums, Sue addresses health, grief, stress, and spiritual growth. Sue has a B.A. in Creative Writing and a Master’s in Theology and Culture. Sue and her husband Shane have been married for 36 years. Her book Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places established rhythms for rest and intimacy with God. They have 3 adult sons, 2 daughters-in-law, an exquisite granddaughter, and a latest grandson on the best way. Sue loves art, travel, missions, literature, and almost any dessert (in healthy doses, in fact).