Sarah felt lost. Her thoughts fluctuated between I do not need anyone, to I am bad for needing anyone, to why does no one care?

Her sense of aloneness and false guilt exacerbated the doubt she was lovable at all. Shame joined the mental torture.

Her spirit had been crushed by absence of love. This emotional cavern in her heart tempted her to search for love in unhealthy ways. She truly did not know better. She was hungry, starving really, and the only solution was missing.

When Jesus said to give food to the hungry, he meant literal hunger and literal food.  There are other types of hunger, and these affect mental health. He said when we feed  “one of the least of these,” it is the same as doing it for him. That is because his love for people is so great, he is blessed when our needs are met – even the emotional ones. 

People like Sarah and so many of us, need to find love from a stable and unchanging place. That is why  we can point  to the love of God in Jesus Christ without fear. He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)

Feeding emotionally hungry people may include expressing sincere, non-critical  acceptance. We may increase or begin communicating with them. If this seems challenging, go figure that when someone’s emotional tank is full, he or she is no longer needy! We extend God’s compassion by offering pure love to those who hunger for it. 

Human  inherent value is worth what God said it is worth. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16,17)

Matthew 25: 37, 40 

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you…?’  … The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

For One of the Least of These series

Offering Living Water to Those Who Thirst

Welcoming the Stranger      Covering the Emotionally Naked and Vulnerable

Visiting Those Who Are Sick     Visiting Those In the Prison of Addiction

***** COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME

NOTE:  I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental and behavioral health challenges.  In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S.  (for international emergency numbers, go here ), or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not be alone. Hope and help are yours.

*Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

**Matthew 5:6  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.

-empty heart by XYMONAU; cross heart BA1969, both of rgbstock.com