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. b 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.
