Discussion 1 By Kelia From A Christian Perspective: The Bibl

Discussion 1 By Keliafrom A Christian Perspective The Bible Provides

From a Christian perspective, the Bible offers a foundational understanding of suffering, emphasizing that pain was not part of God's original plan for humankind. Genesis 1:27 (International Standard Version) states, “So God created mankind in his image; in his image God created them; [an] he created them male and female,” implying that humanity was created without suffering—be it physical or emotional. It was only after the Fall—when Adam and Eve disobeyed God's explicit command—that death and suffering entered the human experience. Satan, as the deceiver, is identified as the source who introduced emotional and physical suffering into the world.

Furthermore, God bestowed free will upon humanity, enabling us to distinguish right from wrong, knowing fully that our choices bear consequences. Despite this, God’s greatest gift to humankind is Jesus Christ, offered as a Redeemer and source of hope. The issue of divorce exemplifies a prevalent societal struggle that often results in significant suffering for individuals and families involved. While some divorces are mutual and may be amicable, often they are tumultuous, unprepared, and leave individuals in distress, leading to psychological and physiological ramifications. In a counseling context, addressing such suffering from a biblical worldview involves integrating principles of Christian faith with therapeutic practices.

In the case scenario presented, employing an integrative counseling approach that aligns with a redemptive worldview is essential. This approach emphasizes viewing the client through the lens of God's grace and redemption, encouraging them to establish and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ. An important principle is fostering self-awareness and humility—traits that facilitate building rapport, demonstrating genuine empathy, compassion, and reflecting Christ’s love. As a counselor, embodying these qualities helps the client realize that their negative experiences do not define their worth or future.

Listening is another key concept; effective counseling requires attentive listening—both verbal and non-verbal cues such as body language—enabling the counselor to identify faulty thinking patterns or rationalizations that hinder healing. Establishing trust through attentive listening allows the counselor to help the client confront and challenge these thoughts with biblical truth and hope. Integration of hospitality, including a non-judgmental, welcoming attitude, helps create an environment where the client feels safe and understood, recognizing that suffering is a shared human experience and not something to be faced alone.

Prayer and Scripture reading are vital components tailored to the client’s faith level and the relationship’s depth. Scripture offers comfort, encouragement, and spiritual insights that can aid in understanding suffering within God's larger redemptive plan. Appropriate prayer, both implicit and explicit, invites the Holy Spirit’s guidance and fosters a sense of divine presence, assuring the client that divine love and sovereignty are active even amid pain.

Finally, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations of human counselors and the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit in ministry. Self-awareness of personal biases, prejudices, and flaws allows the counselor to serve more effectively, humbly inviting God's Spirit into the counseling process. This reliance on divine guidance is integral to fostering true transformation—inner renewal that encourages the client to develop a lasting relationship with Christ, which restores hope and purpose beyond suffering.

References

• Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUN 506 Week One, Lecture One: Integration of psychology and Christianity: why bother? [PowerPoint]. Liberty University Online.
• Brewer, G., & Peters, C. (n.d.). COUN 506 Week Three, Lecture Three: Spirituality, suffering and counseling Dynamics [PowerPoint]. Liberty University Online.
• McMinn, M. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Tyndale House Publishers.
• Harris, R. (2010). Counseling in a Christian context: An integrated approach. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 29(3), 220-226.
• Ortlund, G. (2019). Deeper: Real change for real sinners. Crossway.
• Wilde, M. (2018). Faith and suffering: Christian perspectives on pain. Journal of Christian Ministry, 15(2), 89-102.
• Bob, H., & Smith, J. (2017). Hope in despair: A biblical approach to suffering. Christian Counseling Today, 24(4), 12-15.
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