First, when considering confronting sin is imperative to see the sinful state of the
counselor. c The counselor must remember that “the righteousness of God [is]
through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: c for
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace
as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (English Standard Version,
2001/2016, Romans 3:22-24). c Sin is personal, social, and universal (Entwistle,
2015). c Further, Matthew 7:1-5 instructs the counselor to evaluate himself, recognize
and deal with sin in his own life first. c Not doing so is called hypocrisy (English
Standard Version, 2001/2016).
c c c c c c c c The second thing to consider when working with individuals in
counseling is it is essential to remember that the counselor is working with just
that, individuals. c Thus, it is imperative that counselors remember that no two
people are the same. c Each must be treated according to his strengths and
weaknesses. c There is no one right way to confront wrong actions and wrong
thoughts. c The counselor must discern what will be most effective with the
individual before him and confront accordingly. c Whether is it is by silence,
pondering, questioning, or direct censure should be decided by which approach will
work best with this client and which approach will bring the greatest benefit to his
life (McMinn, 2011).
c c c c c c c c Finally, the purpose for the confrontation must be to bring the client
closer to God. c The confrontation should help the client see his need for
redemption. c This redemption comes through the sacrifice of Jesus. And “this was
to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over
former sins. c It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he
might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (English
Standard Version, 2001/2016, Romans 3:25-26). c If the confrontation does not bring
the client closer to God, then the counselor should check again for more logs.
c c c c c c c c Personally, I am most comfortable with pondering and questioning. c
I am working hard on developing silence [without any sounds or gestures that may
be taken as condoning (McMinn, 2011)]. c My idiosyncrasies lead me away from
direct censure; I am not comfortable with what my subconscious categorizes as
confrontation.
References
English Standard Version. (2016) BibleGateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/ (Original
work published 2001)
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An
introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of integration.
Cascade Books.
TF
SCHOLARLY ARTICLE REVIEW ON INTEGRATION
2
McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling.
Tyndale House Publishers.
