Can medical conditions be behind negative thoughts, worries, and anger?

Question:

I often wonder if medical conditions can be an excuse for how we feel? Take someone that has started having anxiety attacks out of the blue. They have never been someone that worries but because of a hormone imbalance they often have negative thoughts. Are they in sin? How can God help them?

I ask for prayer for myself and my anxiety and short temper. I am a Christian and I believe God will get me through.

Thanks.

Answer:

It is true that medical conditions can cause anxiety attacks or other problems, but it doesn't follow that all worrying, shortness of temper, etc. are caused by imbalanced hormones. Hormonal problems are generally spotted because the mood experienced has nothing to do with the situation. I've seen people have anxiety attacks, yet they can't pinpoint why they are worried, anxious, and nervous. They typically recognize that these are not rational thoughts, though it is hard to battle when they come from your own head.

But even with a medical condition making it harder to control your behavior, control is still required. "But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Colossians 3:8-13). This is harder for some than for others, but the goal remains the same.

If there is a medical cause, often the can be a medical solution. But in the long run, the most effective response is controlling the spirit that is within you.

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