Even though we are using this week’s Discussion to examine various
research articles on the subject of counseling, we must also look for where
the knowledge of science and psychology can be integrated with the
wisdom of Scripture. One of my life theme Scriptures is!Proverbs
15:2!which states, “The tongue of the wise [or wisdom] makes knowledge
acceptable” (NASB). Knowledge is the “what” part of communication (i.e.,
the content) and wisdom is the “how” (i.e., the process). Oftentimes in
counseling, we first need God's discernment to understand what is going
on with a client and then, His wisdom to know what to do with what He
just showed us.
The Holy Spirit often illuminates and clarifies what we need to see and
understand throughout the counseling process. It’s wise to be dependent
on the Holy Spirit for direction and guidance. Here are some scriptural
references worth considering:
How the Holy Spirit Comes
Sent from Heaven –!1 Peter 1:12
Without Measure –John 3:34
As a Gift –!Acts 10:45
As a Helper –!John 14:26
As Righteousness, Peace and Joy –!Romans 14:17
In Power –!Acts 1:8
As Truth –1 John 5:7
As a Witness of the Resurrection –!Acts 5:32
How the Holy Spirit Ministers
Teaches Us All Things and Brings them to Remembrance –!John
14:26
Comforts Us –!Acts 9:31
Indwells the Believer –!Romans 8:11
Renews Us –!Titus 3:5
Gives Us Life –!2 Corinthians 3:6
Convicts Us of Sin, Righteousness and Judgment –!John 16:8
Guides and Discloses –!John 16:13
Bears Witness that We Are Children of God –!Romans 8:16
Searches All Things –!1 Corinthians 2:10
Sanctifies Us –Romans 15:16
Helps Our Weaknesses and Intercedes for Us –Romans 8:26
Glorifies Christ –!Acts 5:32
Let’s look closer at one of these verses…!Acts 1:8, which says,“But you
will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you
shall!be!My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and even to the remotest part of the earth.”!Notice the power of the Holy
Spirit was to “be” a witness (how we live our lives) and not necessarily
just to “witness” (what we say). In other words, who we are in Christ,
always speaks much, much louder than who we say we are.
