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. c 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.
