Reframing AnxietySample

Day 3: Acceptable Concern

Yesterday, we learned that the words typically translated as worry, anxiety, or concern in the New Testament come from the Greek word merimnaō, which means “to be anxious about, care, take thought.”

In Scripture, merimnaō is not always used in a negative sense. Sometimes it is used in a positive or acceptable light. In these times, the translation often reads “concern” rather than “anxiety” or “worry.” For example, in 1 Corinthians 12:25, Paul discusses the body of Christ. He emphasizes that we are to have “concern” (or care, depending on your translation) for each other. This concern for one another is something we ought to have. It is acceptable. Let’s also look at Philippians 2:20, when Paul speaks positively of Timothy’s concern (or care) for the believers. It is good and acceptable that Timothy is concerned and cares for his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Consider Paul himself. After an extensive list of sufferings that included lashings, beatings, stoning, shipwreck, facing robbers, danger from his own people and the Gentiles, danger in the city and the wilderness, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and cold, Paul states that he faces daily pressure and concern (or care, anxiety, or anxious concern, depending on your translation) for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:24‑28). After listing all these life‑threatening trials, Paul identifies that his anxiety is for others.

What is the common area of concern in these passages? Other people. Anxiety can be paralyzing, but it can lead us to action. Concern for others can motivate action and love.

Concern prompts loving one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37‑39; Mark 12:30‑31). Concern leads to doing “nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit,” but instead, humbly consider others as “more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 CSB). Concern for others can prompt us to adopt the servant attitude of Christ, who assumed the form of a servant and humbled himself to the point of death on the cross for us (Philippians 2:5‑11). Concern prompts seeking the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24) and carrying each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).

This implies you also allow people to help carry your burdens. Often, part of our stress is trying to do it all ourselves or hiding our struggle from those who care about and want to support us. Whether our hesitation to accept help is related to a sense of independence, pride, or an attempt to control, we are not meant to do this life alone. Ask for help when you need it and accept it when it’s offered.

When experiencing anxiety, it can be helpful to lean into concern for others and actively pursue it. We can perform practical acts of kindness and service for others. Not only is this a biblical mandate, but it also helps us move our focus outward. When experiencing anxiety, we need to look inward. We need to notice, identify, and name our feelings and thoughts. Sitting with those emotions and allowing ourselves to feel them is helpful. It is also good to look outward at the world around us. Serving others will enable us to turn our attention outward while also acknowledging our own suffering.

Consider planning a kindness day once per week or when you feel an increase in anxiety or worry. On these days, find opportunities to offer acts of kindness to people as you move throughout your day. When gripped with anxiety and worry, we naturally fold in on ourselves, often hyperfocusing on worst‑case scenarios and the uncomfortable experience of our bodies in an anxious state. Focusing on an act of kindness helps shift our focus outward. A simple step is to think of one small act you can do for another person. Feeling anxious at the store? Smile and ask the cashier about her day. At work, offer to grab your coworker a coffee when you get up to make one for yourself. Text your spouse that you love them. Call your friend to provide an encouraging word. Ask how you can pray for someone, and actually do it. Choose one (or more) acts of kindness you can do today.