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. )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.
