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How does the Bible help in counseling?

Read Hebrews 4:12; Romans 5:13; James 3:14; 1 John 1:7

Are you someone who desires to communicate the Word of God to distraught people who have lost their way? If so, according to Hebrews 4:12 you have the right tool. “The Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Many people are confused and mixed up. The Bible is the only true mirror that can help a person unscramble their mixed up thinking. However, the Bible is a difficult book to face for the person who is on the defensive.

And so the real question is: Does this person want to change?

People in a state of confusion need hope, the hope of God! Romans 15:13 tells us, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope.” It’s God that fills hearts with hope!

Many times individuals will focus on whatever difficulty is in front of them. It is important to direct them to the root problem – an issue between themselves and God. The person you’re counseling needs to admit they’re wrong. One John 1:7 says, “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”

The Word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart. We can all make excuses for not walking in the Spirit – our past, our childhood, how people have treated us. But the true issue is: What does the Bible say? This is what you, as a counselor, must point out to those you counsel. Challenge the people you interact with to walk moment by moment with the Lord, and to be sensitive to the fact that the Lord will, in His faithfulness, cast light on their path.

Take a step . . .

Memorize Hebrews 4:12: “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Ask God to help you to apply His Word wisely as you counsel others.

This summary is from Dr. Brandt’s message The Use of the Bible in Counseling.

Click here to read the manuscript or to listen to this audio.

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