Sin, oppression, and the path to freedom

Mental health challenges are complex issues where spirit, soul, and body—and the spirit realm—are all involved. We dare not simplify it into a one-dimensional issue and try to give fix-all statements. With those who are willing, we can approach mental health issues holistically and cover the bases that we might not normally consider. In this article, we will look at three often overlooked but important issues when discussing mental health: unconfessed or unshared sin, sexual shame, and demonic oppression.

Unconfessed and unshared sin

“I’ve never told anyone this before in my life, but . . .”

In our men’s ministry, we often heard these words from committed Christians—pastors, missionaries, Christian leaders alike—struggling in some area of their lives. It always gives me hope as sharing and confession is a significant step towards healing, freedom, and change—even though the journey can be long. I believe that creating a culture where believers confess their sins to trusted brothers and sisters is an essential step in the discipleship process and should be introduced as a norm of the Christian life early in the mentoring and discipling relationship. Psalm 32 shows how unconfessed sin leads to mental anguish, “groaning all day long,” “your hand heavy upon me; my strength sapped as in the heat of summer” (v. 3–4 NIV).

It’s also helpful to differentiate between unconfessed sin (before God) and unshared sin, which hasn’t been entrusted to a brother or sister in the Lord. We are forgiven when we confess sin to God (1 John 1:9), but James 5:16 gives us a huge key when it says, “Confess your sin one to each other . . . so that you may be healed” (NIV). Oftentimes for true freedom and healing, we need both. For some sin, we will only be fully healed when we embrace humility and fear of the Lord to share in the context of trusting, vulnerable relationships, sharing absolutely everything.

Several years ago, a Japanese pastor in his late sixties unexpectedly reached out to me, seeking someone to confide in. He revealed that he had been battling intense depression and a significant loss of energy. In our first meeting, he courageously confessed his struggle with pornography and sincerely prayed for forgiveness. That moment of confession became a pivotal breakthrough, lifting the weight of his depression and marking the start of a journey towards increasing freedom and joy.

The shame of sexual sin or sexual abuse

Sexual sin is in a category of its own, according to 1 Corinthians 6:18. Additionally, the trauma of sexual abuse can trap a person in a lifetime of shame and mental anguish. As representatives of Jesus, we truly carry the good news of forgiveness, wholeness, restoration, cleansing, reconciliation, and freedom. We must be equipped and ready to lead sexually broken people to forgiveness and wholeness through the power of the cross—whether they are victims, perpetrators, or both.

Personally walking in sexual freedom and wholeness as Christian leaders and sharing our stories openly with others in an appropriate way gives people confidence in the power of God to save and heal them. When we experience freedom in Christ, we can boldly lead others to the same freedom.

A woman my wife was praying with opened up for the first time about the trauma of sexual abuse that sent her life into a downward spiral, leading to financial hardship, prostitution, and eventually severe emotional and mental health struggles that resulted in hospitalisation. She confessed her sins and repented, and God began healing the deep wounds from her past, lifting the heavy burdens of depression and mental anguish. Now, she lives in peace and is pursuing a career in social welfare, profoundly grateful to God for her newfound freedom.

Emotional trauma and demonic bondage from adultery, fornication, pornography, sexual abuse, abortion, etc. are rife in Japanese society, although often hidden behind polite smiles. This is not just outside the church; sadly, they often remain unaddressed within church communities. Caring for these people is a huge opportunity for ministry to pre-believers who are often aware of their guilt and shame regarding sexual sin and are looking for a way to be free. While addressing these deep issues of the heart, we may well help pre-believers (like the man born blind in John 9) meet Jesus as healer before they know him as the Saviour!

Demonic oppression

Unconfessed, unshared sin is an open door to the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy (like the thief in John 10:10).

Stasi and John Eldredge (Wild at Heart ministries) speak about the deep connection between emotional healing and the reality of spiritual warfare, particularly demonic oppression. They highlight the importance of addressing underlying spiritual issues when seeking healing, as unresolved spiritual bondage can hinder emotional and physical well-being.

While prayer and faith are crucial, it’s also essential to be aware of the demonic battle, especially when facing persistent sin or mental struggles that don’t respond to conventional discipleship or medical therapy approaches. We must have a holistic approach to healing that includes spiritual, emotional, relational, and psychological dimensions.

Recently, some close friends involved in counselling and deliverance ministry shared an experience they had during a marriage counselling session: as they were praying about the husband’s struggle with anger, he was lifted up and thrown backwards against the wall while manifesting a demon. As they approached him to pray, God revealed the source of the demonic bondage, and the man was quickly delivered. He was delighted and encouraged to know that the anger he had struggled with for so long was not just his own poor choices but was also empowered by a demonic entity.

Unforgiveness can also prevent someone from healing and experiencing peace. My wife was in a worship meeting where a woman began to manifest violently. Feeling led by the Holy Spirit, she quietly led the woman to forgive her husband for repeated infidelity. She repented, the demon was cast out, peace returned, and the woman was healed of a long-term mental struggle that had plagued her life.

Where to start

The thought of praying against demons might terrify you! When it comes to teaching on this topic, many Christians are confused by an overemphasis on one side or denial on the other side, but neither extreme is helpful. It is important to develop an understanding of demonic oppression and how it can manifest today so that if we do encounter this kind of situation, we are prepared. What I have found helpful is resting in my identity in Christ and knowledge of his power as I step out in faith and obedience. By simply being ready and equipped and responding proactively to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can help bring freedom to the prisoners and liberty to the oppressed.