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Chaplain Rennebohm’s new book

The Mental Health Chaplaincy

That each may have a home,           
that all may safely rest           
and be well           

Gentle Bible

The Bible can be difficult and even perilous for people struggling with a brain disorder. The Chaplaincy has cared for people who are frightened and worried by passages heavy with violence and judgment. We have encountered patients who are lost or frustrated in their search for hope and encouragement, or who have struggled to reconcile their medical treatment with their understanding of God’s will.

It is important to approach faith resources and scriptures with sensitivity and care, particularly when someone is confused, depressed, or delusional: hence the Gentle Bible, a booklet of selected readings adapted from the Bible, one for each day of the year, that encourage healing and community.

Each month’s readings have a common theme: Hope, Companionship, Community, Comfort, Healing, Wellness, Teachings of Jesus, God’s Care, Wisdom, Wholeness, Psalms, and the Assurance of God’s love. The readings for March are printed below.

If you would like to download the complete booklet, click here. (Downloadable file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader®.)

La Biblia Amable en español.

Gentle Bible

by the Rev. Dr. Craig Rennebohm
March readings

Comfort

Mar. 1     With the help of the One who gives us strength, we will overcome.

Mar. 2     After his trials, Job lived on.

Mar. 3     The Spirit comes to help us in our weakness.

Mar. 4     Nothing can come between us and God's love.

Mar. 5     We will not give up.

Mar. 6     We have help.

Mar. 7     We do not struggle alone.

Mar. 8     God reduces the storm to a whisper.

Mar. 9     God quiets the waves.

Mar. 10     God brings us to safety.

Mar. 11     Courage.

Mar. 12     Let us be quiet now.

Mar. 13     Do not be afraid, for I am with you.

Mar. 14     The sun will shine, and our eyes will be glad.

Mar. 15     Behold, God makes all things new.

Mar. 16     As a sign of promise, I set my rainbow in the clouds.

Mar. 17     We are made imperishable.

Mar. 18     Though this body may grow old, our soul is renewed day by day.

Mar. 19     When this tent on earth is folded up, there is a house built by God for us, an everlasting home.

Mar. 20     There is always hope.

Mar. 21     He is risen.

Mar. 22     We, too, shall walk in newness of life.

Mar. 23     We shall be changed.

Mar. 24     The old has passed away; behold, the new comes.

Mar. 25     We will run the race to the finish.

Mar. 26    Now we know in part; then shall we understand fully.

Mar. 27     Three things last — faith, hope, and love — and the greatest of these is love.

Mar. 28     God will wipe away every tear from our eyes.

Mar. 29     God is tender and compassionate
                   slow to anger, most loving
                   God's indignation does not last forever
                   God's resentment exists for a short time only
                   God never treats us, never punishes us, as our guilt or sins deserve
                   no less than the height of heaven over earth
                   is the greatness of God's love for us
                   our sins are taken farther away than the east is from the west
                   as the most loving parents treat their children, so God treats us
                   God's love for us lasts from eternity and forever.

Mar. 30     May God give us calm and serenity.

Mar. 31     May peace be with us all.