How can/should I counsel suffering people?
Suffering is not only biblical but it is a normal portion of our day-to-day lives. The bible says in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4, n.d.). Suffering is a part of life and how we choose to walk through the pains of suffering can affect our life positively or negatively. McMinn states, “Those who enter therapy in the midst of their pain experience a restorative counseling relationship that brings acceptance, hope, and meaning into their broken lives” (McMinn, 2011, p. …show more content…
Counseling should be a conduit that allows us to point the hurting towards Christ and show that what they may feel is killing them is ultimately for their good. “As each of us journeys toward wholeness, and as we help clients on their journeys, we find that unforgiveness and forgiveness are entwined in our spiritual pilgrimage and our relationship with God” (McMinn, 2011, p. 285). It is the lifestyle of faith, trust and a hope that God know what He is doing. Counseling is a fellowship with those who are momentarily weak, hurt or discouraged to reach out and share the love of our Father. Just as Job suffered more than anyone I know he still praised the Lord, watched his attitude and gave glory where glory was due. Job 1:21 says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In facing the most traumatic suffering imaginable, Jobs relationship with the Lord was strengthened and in the end God blessed him beyond measure. This is the hope that we as counselors need to portray to our clients. Counseling the suffering is not about removing it, but giving hope to the
Suffering is not only biblical but it is a normal portion of our day-to-day lives. The bible says in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4, n.d.). Suffering is a part of life and how we choose to walk through the pains of suffering can affect our life positively or negatively. McMinn states, “Those who enter therapy in the midst of their pain experience a restorative counseling relationship that brings acceptance, hope, and meaning into their broken lives” (McMinn, 2011, p. …show more content…
Counseling should be a conduit that allows us to point the hurting towards Christ and show that what they may feel is killing them is ultimately for their good. “As each of us journeys toward wholeness, and as we help clients on their journeys, we find that unforgiveness and forgiveness are entwined in our spiritual pilgrimage and our relationship with God” (McMinn, 2011, p. 285). It is the lifestyle of faith, trust and a hope that God know what He is doing. Counseling is a fellowship with those who are momentarily weak, hurt or discouraged to reach out and share the love of our Father. Just as Job suffered more than anyone I know he still praised the Lord, watched his attitude and gave glory where glory was due. Job 1:21 says, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In facing the most traumatic suffering imaginable, Jobs relationship with the Lord was strengthened and in the end God blessed him beyond measure. This is the hope that we as counselors need to portray to our clients. Counseling the suffering is not about removing it, but giving hope to the