How to Offer Christian Counseling to Someone Suffering
- 1). Listen to the person's concerns. Do not begin preaching or lecturing until you have heard the individual's entire story. Offer him a tissue or a pat on the arm if he becomes too emotional to continue. Show patience while he is talking.
- 2). Ask her if she is open to hearing how faith can help her. Many people are more receptive to this type of counseling if it is their decision. Begin your counseling only after receiving an affirmative response.
- 3). Explain how, no matter what he is going through, that God loves him and wants him to be happy. Elaborate on the Christian idea that God has a plan for everyone, and whether or not he understands it, he is a part of that plan. Offer examples of how Jesus may not have fully understood his suffering at the time that it was happening, but he knew that somehow, it was part of God's way to redeem all of humanity.
- 4). Illustrate the concept of redemption through suffering with tales of other Christian disciples, saints and followers who sacrificed for their faith and were greatly rewarded in the end.
- 5). Go over inspirational passages and quotations from the Bible, if you have one with you. If you can offer a copy to the person you are counseling, that is even better. If it is not within your budget to provide an entire Bible, write down passages or quotations on note cards and allow the person to keep them for comfort.
- 6). Bring additional resources to give the person in addition to your own services. Refer her to a local church, pastor or Christian bookstore for more help as needed. If your church has a support group for individuals dealing with similar issues, try referring the person there.
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