Advanced Brokenness
Things that fit in the arena of “advanced brokenness” are matters of aptitude, physical pain/limitation or emotional regulation challenges rooted in one’s physical condition or traumatic history. Our goal, as ambassadors of Christ, in these matters is to grieve with the individual facing these challenges (Romans 12:15 as a way of embodying Matthew 5:4), and destigmatize the condition or experience so that the individual will be willing to engage the common grace remedies God has provided to alleviate such suffering.
In the example we’ve been using for brokenness, our friend who experiences the high-highs and low-lows of bipolar would be served well by our empathy as they realize their mood regulation follows an erratic pattern. They need a community where their struggle could be acknowledged without being labeled “crazy.” A desired outcome would be that our friend could receive support in important lifestyle choices that might decrease the onset of manic or depressive episodes (e.g., regulating sleep diligently, managing conflict well, avoiding drugs and alcohol, faithfulness in taking medication, additional accountability during times of elevated mood, etc.) while considering what it would mean to honor Christ even during an manic or depressed state.
“You can’t promise them that you will never experience another manic episode. But you can tell them your goal is to learn to love and listen to others in all circumstances, including mania (p. 16)… Since you might actually enjoy mania (at least when it is not extreme), you might be reluctant to try medication. Talk to wise counselors and your family about this. You might decide to try medication as a way to better love others (p. 23).” Ed Welch in Bipolar Disorder
Advanced Toxicity
Things that fit in the category of “advanced toxicity” are abusive, addictive, controlling or manipulative lifestyles that are not only personally destructive but manifest in attacking and slandering those who address their presence. The result is that the more loved ones try to address the problem, the more wrapped up in the problem they become. Our goal, as ambassadors of Christ, in these matters is to first ensure the safety of those associated with the individual relating in a toxic manner, be willing to be part of an intervention when the abused loved ones are ready, and thereby be an embodied warning that God lovingly opposes the proud as an invitation to restoration (James 4:6; see also this discussion of Matthew 7:1-6).
