First, when considering confronting sin is imperative to see the sinful state of the
counselor. b The counselor must remember that “the righteousness of God [is] through
faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: b 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). b Sin is personal, social, and universal (Entwistle, 2015). Further, Matthew 7:1-5
instructs the counselor to evaluate himself, recognize and deal with sin in his own life
first. b Not doing so is called hypocrisy (English Standard Version, 2001/2016).
b b b b b b b b 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. b Thus,
it is imperative that counselors remember that no two people are the same. b Each must
be treated according to his strengths and weaknesses. b There is no one right way to
confront wrong actions and wrong thoughts. b The counselor must discern what will be
most effective with the individual before him and confront accordingly. b 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).
b b b b b b b b b Finally, the purpose for the confrontation must be to bring the client closer to
God. b The confrontation should help the client see his need for redemption. b This
redemption comes through the sacrifice of Jesus. b And “this was to show God's
righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. b 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). b If the confrontation does not bring the client closer to God, then the
counselor should check again for more logs.
b b b b b b b b b Personally, I am most comfortable with pondering and questioning. b I am
working hard on developing silence [without any sounds or gestures that may be taken
as condoning (McMinn, 2011)]. b 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.
McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling.
Tyndale House Publishers.
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