Healing of Human Evil (Part 1)

Have you ever thought that "evil" is a psychological disease?

One time, I hadn't realized early enough I was hand-to-hand in combat with "evil." I tangled with blatant lies, deception, and hidden attacks from someone. I was torn. I did sense something was radically wrong. But it was subtle. So, in a span of time, I myself was a confused witness and victim of abnormal behavior that "evil" produces.

Let me take you further into everyday life. Is a rapist or murderer psychologically well? How about the adulterer or adulteress? Was the worship of idols by the masses ok? The corrupt-ridden officials of government? What should we tell someone who is selling marijuana to young people?

"A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct." (Proverbs 10:23)

In his bestselling book, "People of the Lie," Christian psychiatrist Dr. M.Scott Peck calls the "evil" in persons a form and sign of mental illness. Since "evil" is spiritual, this can be frightening to secular, humanistic psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Without a spiritual dimension in their therapy, they cannot claim full understanding of human nature and its healing process.

Indeed, some people are not merely ill or broken. But they are also manifestly evil -- "people of the lie." "Evil" is a spiritual, moral judgment if you base it from what Scriptures say. Another descriptive label for it is "sin" implanted into the nature of every human being.

"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).

Examining it more closely, "evil" then inevitably becomes a psychotherapeutic concern and judgment as well.

Therapy for Destructive Anger

In recent news, a young man shot it out with policemen in his mother's house as he was being arrested. His case? He shot the son of a government official to death in fits of rage several weeks ago over a mere traffic incident.

That seems to happen all the time. Stories of destructive anger in its various forms pop up all over the world.

Well, you wouldn't do anything like that, I mean murder someone because you're angry, would you? But have you ever lost your temper? Have you ever done things you wish you had not done? Or, have you said words you wish you never had said? I do! Speaking of teaching from experience!

Therapy for destructive anger is a process that takes time. To outline what I discovered to be helpful (for myself and others who need to get free from this), take a look below 4 kinds of anger (with Scripture passages to read) with a statement that describes what needs to be done for each one:

1. SUDDEN ANGER
Scriptures to Read: Proverbs 14:17; 15:18; 18:13; 19:19
Therapeutic Key: Sudden anger is to be CONTROLLED.

2. SINFUL ANGER
Scriptures to Read: Matthew 5:21; Romans 12:19
Therapeutic Key: Sinful anger is to be CONDEMNED.

3. STUBBORN ANGER
Scriptures to Read: Eph 4:26, 31-32
Therapeutic Key: Stubborn anger is to be CONQUERED.

4. SANCTIFIED ANGER
Scriptures to Read: Eph 4:26; Mark 3: 1-5
Therapeutic Key: Sanctified anger is to be CHANNELED.

How Could A Handicap Be A Gift?

As I do the ministry of Christian psychotherapy and counseling, I feel something extra ... "seeing more." For example, many doctors, pastors or counselors counsel you on how to receive healing from specific inner wounds or trauma by citing Scriptures, prescription etc. Yet the "abstract" seems all there is.

I feel blessed because I myself was "abused" or "traumatized" or got sick in my own experiences! That I can say to you that I'm able to understand more deeply what you're going through. Those traumas, abuses, and losses I myself went through taught and developed me to be far more consciously aware of God, others, and life..... "more aware" and "more present" with you in times of crisis! Indeed, how can I lead people face reality and to heal unless I bear the same pain? All of us can help or lead only insofar as we go before.

If you watch one of the videos on the right of this web site, you'll get to know an amazing guy. His name: Nick Vujicic. No arms, no legs. That's him. Dreadfully disabled and handicapped. Yet, God loves him enough to give him that gift of a handicap to bless others around the nations of the world.

Having a broken home or an unfaithful spouse is a handicap. Yet, Anne Brecht authored a book she entitled "My Husband's Affair Was The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me." Watch her at the January 2010 show of Dr. Phil HERE.

Eugene Peterson's translation of the apostle Paul's "thorn in the flesh" in 2 Corinthians 12 is "gift." I don't know what exactly was Paul's "thorn in the flesh." It was never concretely identified by Scripture. Maybe, he got physically ill. Incarcerated in prison. Left or disappointed by people. Or, it may well be that Paul was struggling with the limitations of ageing or some loss.

Whatever it was, Paul gladly received his "thorn in the flesh" as a "gift" from God. How? By not focusing on the limitation of his handicap. Paul decided to focus on the "gift" and God's purpose through it ("to keep me from exalting myself!") and appreciate it.

Friend, what's your handicap? Illness? Family dysfunction? Financial bankruptcy or job loss? Aging?

Could this handicap be a gift and blessing from God ... to you? Yes it could. If you find God's purpose in it for you, appreciate it, and take action to bless others.

God's power is something we can all experience in our weakness. "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12: 9-10).

Christine on to college ...

My daughter, Christine, 16, is going to college. I'm amazed about how much she has grown! I need to adjust ... seeking independence where she used to be dependent is part of the natural progression of life ... I praise God for teaching me how to face the seasons of life with grace, confidence, and appreciation. God is good!

Recovery from Church-Injury

Are you "church-injured?"

Many are and had been. Throughout the history of the church, people get injured even by fellow believers. Such involves a special kind of recovery and healing process.

"What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? ... You are envious and cannot obtain so you fight and quarrel ... " (James 4: 1, 2b)

During some years of my being a Christian, I thought pastors are free from defects. Eventually I realized I was wrong. Believers are saved, not perfect. Even pastors and leaders are human - "works in progress." Just like everybody else, they too need correction, support, and encouragement to grow spiritually in the love of Christ.

Doing ministry as I do, it can be hard to deal with fellow pastors and believers who hurl attacks in the name of God. I can see the reasons why an unbeliever or atheist would hate, avoid, or attack me. But venom and negative, judgmental words from those who utter the name of Christ? These can make anyone jump up and down!

"You'll receive your greatest opposition to your Kingdom work from other Christians," says university president Dr. Rex Rogers.

That's true in the case of Jesus Christ. It was the religious, spiritual leaders who conspired to oppose and destroy Him. They could not stand Him. So they crucified Him.

In the midst of the worst crime ever committed by humankind, Jesus responded, "Father, forgive them for they don't know what they're doing." (Luke 23: 34)

There lies your "church-injury" healing and recovery.

"Never pay back evil with more evil. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God." (Romans 12: 17-19)

Awaiting Healing of Nations In The Last Days

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24: 42)

I just came from a "Signs of the Times" church service where NY Times bestseller, Joel Rosenberg, was speaker. What struck me was his mention of Ezekiel 36-39 that predicted the existence again of the nation Israel. It came true! After almost 2,000 years of non-existence, Israel was granted a territory and the right to be a nation again by the the United Nations in 1948 -- a direct fulfillment of Bible prophecy.

Are we living in the last days? Like Joel Rosenberg, I believe so. Why? The signs are coming out in our present generation! (Read Matthew 24).

In recent years, among nations, a string of tragedies, tribulations, and threats have happened. The world is getting worst with signs of the times and handwriting on the wall, so to speak. What could some of the signs (past, present) below, among others, be telling us?

* Massive earthquake in Haiti killing hundreds of thousands
* 9-11 World Trade Center Attack
* Earthquake and Tsunami at Sumatra
* Hurricane Katrina's catastrophic flooding of the city of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast states
* Global warming and other drastic climate change
* Iran's nuclear bomb and Islamic apocalypse aspirations (which can also create oil crises) bringing war to the Middle East
* Potential impacts from near earth objects (comets, asteroids, meteors)
* Nations attacking Israel (who America is avowed to defend)
* Conflict with North Korea over her nuclear missiles capable of igniting World War III
* Avian flu virus pandemic
* Overpopulation, famine
* More killer calamities, like floods and storms
* Rise of evil, betrayal in families and nations

Can you see or guess now what's happening even just a bit?

Dr. Weil on Financial Infidelity

I've seen this and I'm sure it's so common to millions around the world. Therapist Dr. Bonnie Weil calls it "Financial Infidelity" in her newest 2009 book. According to her, financial infidelity is the #1 problem in relationships that often leads to lies, betrayal, and affairs. She offers solutions to this pervasive problem by separating the value of the relationship from the bank account.

Jesus said, "You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)

On Parenting Teenagers

Last night's TV news, I watched a tearful, broken mother. She's being interviewed about the arrest of her son for murder. It happened right in her own house. Her son was shot and wounded during a gunfire with the policemen. The mother was charged with obstruction of justice -hiding her son to cover for him and the consequences of the crimes he committed.

It may or may not be true of this mother in today's headlines. But the fact is, there are indeed some parents who condition their children to think that Dad or Mom will always cover for them. Children are not allowed to experience consequences for misdeeds. Psychologists call it a classic case of "rescuing."

Honestly, I admit that I too have traces of a "rescuer" when it comes to my own children. It can be hurting, especially with rebellious teenagers. In the case of my 16-year-old daughter, I look pretty heavy to her when it comes to evening curfew, among other things. The truth is, I cannot run her; she runs herself. I need to understand that she is almost an adult now. Independence is a natural next step.

Of course, I still have the same function as Dad of my two teenagers. But I need new ways from what I've been using to fit their age or stage of life. Every morning, I pray for each of them. It's the best I can do. Reaching out to them as best as possible, I need to close my mouth and listen more.

However, it still doesn't guarantee that my kids would make wise choices and transition into adulthood in good health. They may still choose to bang their heads against the walls --that is their choice. In that case, I may have to leave them flounder. Even enforce proper discipline. And allow them to learn to be responsible for their own consequences.

"But Lord, would You at least help me build soft, resilient walls for them?" Aha!

"Endure hardship as discipline. God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" (Hebrews 12:7)