All stages of the spiritual life require cooperation between human freedom and the grace of God 1. While grace is a gift and not a reward, it necessitates our cooperation 1. Even with mental illness, the Church believes that God offers opportunities for repentance.
Grace and Free Will
God’s grace is not imposed on individuals but requires their cooperation 1 2. Human freedom is essential in the economy of salvation, and grace is not a rival to our freedom but enhances it when aligned with what is truly good 3. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the more docile we are to the promptings of grace, the more we grow in inner freedom and confidence
Humans have the freedom to either neglect or delight in the grace of God 1. The will can resist grace if it chooses
While our freedom is weakened by the consequences of original sin, we remain responsible beings who can choose what is right and good
Even when someone is suffering from an illness, including mental illness, they still possess free will and the capacity to resist or accept grace. Mental illness can cloud judgment and weaken the will, making it more difficult to cooperate with grace, but it does not eliminate the possibility of doing so.
While grace is a powerful gift from God, it is not irresistible 1 3. Human beings, including those who are ill, retain the freedom to accept or reject it
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