Avoid Bad Counseling!
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- Talk with someone who cares! Free Christian Counseling!
- Find Biblical Encouragement and practical help!
- Seek wise counsel
- Or if you rather text JESUS (53787) To talk to a Christian who cares!
- Be careful not to watch too much liberal media news. It can be biased and have political agendas. But rather spend that time with God in His word and prayers.
Avoid Bad Counseling From Good Intended People!
When I was going through my divorce, a Christian from church volunteered to come to my house to talk with me. It turned out that he spoke so much and did not understand the hurt and pain that I was experiencing. All he wanted to do was quote scriptures at me over and over relentlessly. Unfortunately, I had to ask him to leave my house. This bad experience taught me that when people seek counsel, they need to be heard—and directed after being listened to. People can mean well but do more harm than good. Be careful who you allow to counsel you. Avoid bad counseling at all costs! Let the Lord be your direct line of counsel. Allow the Lord to put the right people in your life to help you. ~ Bill Greguska
Bad Counseling Exposed!
Mistake #1: Bad Counseling Is Giving Advice Without Truly Listening
One of the biggest mistakes Christians (and others) make is to give quick counsel or advice without carefully listening. When we listen, people trust us more, and we can provide better information and advice.
- My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)
- The first to present his case seems right till another comes forward and questions him. (Proverbs 18:17)
Mistake #2: Bad Counseling Is Displaying A Judgmental Spirit
The person with whom you speak, mentor, or counsel may have sinned in almost unthinkable ways or made severe mistakes. However, if you give the message that you are in judgment of them, they are unlikely to benefit from your advice when they seek counsel from you.
Show concern for people who have sinned. Reflect on your own life before you knew the Lord. They should sense that you care, not that you condemn.
- For this reason, he had to be made like his brothers in every way so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God and that he might make atonement for the people’s sins. Because he suffered when he was tempted, he can help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18)
- For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
Mistake #3: Bad Counseling Is Talking Too Much
Has someone ever given you a long speech about your mistakes? If so, you probably tuned out partway through. Speeches rarely work! People seek counsel, not a lecture.
When you get people involved in a discussion, they are more likely to change. Remember to ask questions. It’s often helpful to ask people what is on their minds instead of turning them off with your sermon.
Mistake #4: Bad Counseling Is Giving Worldly Advice
It’s easy to give “worldly” advice, for it is all around us on talk radio, television shows, self-help books, Etc.
- See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
- All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17)
- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
Mistake #5: Bad Counseling Is Not Suggesting Homework
Help others choose something to do as “homework.” People are much more likely to change if they plan to follow up by studying something or doing some activity related to what they have discussed. People seek counsel and have certain expectations.
Homework is most likely to be completed if it is mutually agreed on. Try to come up with something that seems reasonable to the person you are counseling or advising.
Find Hope And Encouragement From Our Links!
- If you just started believing in God, we have a page specifically for you.
- If you are dealing with anger, stress, or depression, we have information to help you.
- We have phone helplines, website links, YouTube videos.
- You can learn more about us and our goals, and our purpose.
- If you have a drug/alcohol problem, or if you want to get right with God, you are at the right place!
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