The decision to confront sin can be difficult to approach in counseling. Romans 3: 23
states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (English Standard Version).
Sin affects each one of us and in different ways. a In order to develop a stronger spiritual
life, this requires us to abandon sin and to seek inner transformation through the work of
the Holy Spirit (McMinn, 2011). In counseling we aim to help our clients with their issues
and to also develop better relationships with God, it would be a requirement to confront sin
in counseling. Christian counselors strive to draw clients to closer relationships with God,
as there is a focus on spiritual growth as well as mental health (McMinn, 2011). Spiritual
transformation requires reflection, being honest with ourselves about our flaws and sinful
nature.
Of the strategies outlined by McMinn, I prefer the questioning method to confront sin. It can
be somewhat direct, however, it respects the clients' right to articulate their own values of
right and wrong (McMinn, 2011, p. 169). The use of questions can also be beneficial in
determining the client’s needs, setting and clarifying goals, and developing solutions for the
client (Kollar, 2015). This also gives the counselor an opportunity to listen and create a safe
environment where the client feels seen and heard. My least favourite method or strategy is
not confronting. Many clients make the decision to go to counseling when they’ve
exhausted all other options for the issues in their lives. By not confronting, I believe that
there is a risk of repeating behaviours or cycles that caused the need for counseling in the
first place. If we don’t confront sin, the client may be content with how they are and choose
to continue with sin. In doing so, the client is removing God from the central role that he
wants to play in their life (Ortberg, 2002). 1 John 1:9 states, “If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (English
Standard Version). By confronting sin, this may help the client to draw nearer to God who
forgives and delivers us from our sin. We need to confess in order to heal and be changed
(Ortberg, 2002, p. 129).
Those who understand sin can make both internal and external attributions to the causes of
their problems (McMinn, 2011, p.164). As always, counselors should pray and seek God
about which strategy to use. McMinn (2011) states that choosing the best method requires
discernment, wisdom, understanding, and self-awareness.
Reference
McMinn, M. (2011). Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Tyndale
House Publishers.
Ortberg, J. (2002). The Life You’ve Always Wanted. Zondervan.
