Biblical Counseling.pdf - Online Christian Library

C. Things to Do or Say.1. Hear the whole story. Let it all come out, even though that is so difficult to do. Ithas probably been bottled up for a long time. Expect a background of things to beinvolved.2. In cases of infidelity, work with the couple if possible. If not, build up the will andemotional strength of the cooperative one to make that person prepared for thehard work possible reconciliation.3. Radiate HOPE for the ability to make things right. Believe in the power of God forchange, even when the counselees no longer believe in themselves and do not seethe way to a solution.4. Stand for righteousness, but in a forgiving, inviting way that makes the right morecompelling than the wrong. Manifest the LOVE of GOD--help them throughrepentance, forgiveness, etc.5. Insist that the whole story be told to the spouse who knows but little of wrong thathas been taking place. Buried secrets have a way of returning and destroyingtentative new trust.6. Use the power of the Word of God toward change, prayer, great music andwhatever else can help reach to the depths of the heart and intellect of the personsinvolved.D. Things Not to Do or to Say.1. Do not allow confidences to be broken.2. Do not denounce persons, only sin.3. Do not neglect the seemingly strong party. Outward calm often masks seethinginternal emotions.4. Do not expect easy resolutions. Sexuality is a slippery creature difficult to captureand tame.III. Counseling in Major Illnesses and Injuries Situations.It may require more courage to suffer illness than to die. The body is not simply fleshand bones arranged in a unique way. In a real sense a person is much more than body, andyet a person's body is that person. It is the carrier of the total selfhood of the individual.A change in the body image involves an altered perception of the self. A physical crisiscan bring a change in body images which include: painful, weary, immobile, needy, barren,deprived, limited. Prior to that the perception may have been: attractive, active, nurturing,energetic, caring, competent, giving, reproductive, etc.Isolation is often the one word that describes the distress those with terminal illnessexperience and it affects the will. Unremitting pain saps the very life from the victims.Dreadful weariness makes it hard to face an uncertain earthly future.©2000, Revival in the Home Ministries 68