His word is a seed of change
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Christian counseling is all about interpreting the divine will of God as contained in the scripture. Using the scripture to build and rebuild, to comfort and console an individual. It is using the word of God to sow a seed of change and transformation in a life. As Jeremiah 10:24 puts it,
“O Lord, correct, instruct, and chastise me, but with judgment and in just measure – not in your anger lest you diminish me and bring me to nothing” (AMP)
It is in using the scripture that the Christian counselor aids to bring healing to the wounded soul and reconciliation with the Father. Using the scripture to bring hope and restoration. Counseling should NOT be used to diminish and bring anyone to nothing.
The scripture is the only perfect means of conducting Christian counseling. The scriptural basis is what differentiates it from mere psychology. It provides the basis for doing it in a Godly manner.
Commenting on this, Paul stated that the purpose for which the Scripture is given and written is for it to be used in Christian counseling to effect changes, correct errors and enforce spiritual and physical discipline. According to him,
“Every scripture is God-breathe (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sins, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose and action)” 2 Tim 3:16 (AMP).
Paul had earlier expressed the same view in Col 1:28 when he spoke on the need of using the scripture to admonish and train every man in righteousness so that he may be handed over to Christ perfect.
In 2 Tim 3:17, Paul re-echoed the usefulness of using the scripture to break, remould, recreate and regenerate the man of God, believers and unbelievers alike and make them suited for the work of the Kingdom of God.
Similarly, In 2 Tim 4:2 Paul urged Timothy to use the scripture for Christian counseling. He commanded, “Preach the word of God. Be prepared whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Tim4:2, NLT).
Thus the onerous task of conducting Christian counseling can only be done well and said to be done well, only and if only, it is done with the scripture.
This is so true Pastor. I have actually been "counseled" by someone I really believe really needed direction from the Lord. They ended up doing more harm than good. I walked away from the "counseling" feeling judged and hopeless. So it is very important for people to be led by Gods spirit - word and not their opinion.
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