Counsel/Counselling

<<advice, guidance>>

In important decisions, don’t make quick choices instead commit your way to God, allowing Him to speak to your spirit through the Word and as you pray (Ps 37:5, 119:24).

The Bible says with several good counsellors, a wise successful plan can be developed, so humbly submit to receiving correction, confirmation, clarity and input from your parents, pastor or mature friends who can provide different perspectives and reveal what may be blind spots (Prov 9:9, 11:14, 15:22, 20:18, 27:9; Jn 10:4,16). Consider carefully

You are accountable for any advice you act on

both the words and the lifestyle of those offering advice and spiritual help – are they truly spiritual people, living out the lifestyle they preach? Do not accept or act on any counsel or advice that is contrary to the commands or principles of the Bible for wise godly counsel advocates the most God honouring actions. Let the Word of God speak into the situation for it is beneficial so we can live righteously (Ps 119:9,11,105; 2 Tim 3:16,17; Tit 2:12). The Bible states, "Blessed are those who do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly..." (Ps 1:1). Because such people "live according to the flesh and have their minds set on what the flesh desires" their advice is influenced by the ungodly nature (Rom 8:5-7). Any advice given is only a suggestion, not an order to be obeyed. Thus, there is still the choice whether to respond to the proposition with the counselee (the one receiving counsel) still accountable for their own actions taken even when acting on the suggestion of others. Become mature and grow in wisdom by seeking guidance for yourself, as continually being dependent on others for direction is not good for either party (Heb 5:12-14).

Counselling is being a catalyst, empowering people to take responsibility for their own life by providing insight through sound guidelines and godly principles, by asking questions and giving encouragement yet challenging them. Dealing with past issues calls for serious confronting, to correct problems and address areas of weakness, uncovering the ‘baggage’ that hinders, to enable moving into a greater freedom in what Christ died to purchase for us. This will include prayer to deal with the lies fed into their minds as the result of negative and traumatic experiences that continue to influence and harass. Binding and loosing together with deliverance may also be required to bring lasting release and a greater measure of wholeness into the spirit, soul and body.

Don’t solve the problem for them, solve it with them. We are to speak into each other’s lives, as and when necessary, so we are in a sense our brother’s keeper (Gen 4:9; Gal 6:1). True Biblical counselling directs clients to Christ and the Word of God, for its goal is not increased self-esteem but

Point people to Jesus

sanctification, the growing more into the image of our Saviour. Jesus said, "If you obey my teaching, you really are my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free...So if the Son sets you free, you will be truly free" (Jn 8:31,32,36).

A Counsellor (one who gives advice or counsel) was one of the many functions or attributes of the coming Messiah, the Christ who after His ministry on earth said He would send the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and comfort us as well (Isa 9:6; Jn 14:16,17). Always seek the counsel of your Heavenly Father as well as making use of trusted human counselling.