An Introduction to the Course

The Matter of Counsel

Probably some modern counselling would not agree wholly with the biblical idea of counselling. Much of modern counselling is not the giving of advice, and some of it is not directive, though it seeks to stimulate the counsellee to come to personal understanding of himself—with a view to useful personal decisions and actions. For the purposes of our course counselling is that action which incorporates sympathy, understanding, discernment and perception by means of which it can bring comfort and aid—where possible—through the means of the biblical wisdom pertaining to the nature of God, man, creation, redemption and the ultimate glorification of all things. It is wisdom which takes into account the glory and sinfulness of man, which employs love, but does not hesitate to confront man with his accountability as a moral creature, present him with his responsibility for his actions—as against the prevalent doctrine that man is a victim, needing only to be pitied and aided. Such counselling informs man of the grace and love of God which can lead him to full rehabilitation and dignity as a moral creature, and give him great hope for an assured future.

In giving this description of biblical counselling we are not being critical of counselling which is not biblical.

The Matter of Comfort

Comfort is a rich word. It speaks of serenity, security, personal assurance, well-being in life, relief from tension and pressure, release from a sense of oppression and domination by other persons, events and elements. It speaks of good relationships with God, man, one’s self, and one’s world. A mother comforts her child. God comforts Israel. Christ comforts his people. The Holy Spirit is called ‘the Comforter’ in some Bible translations, and this very word actually means ‘Counsellor’. Thus true counselling brings comfort—given in that the counsellee can accept what will be helpful for him.

In all our studies we will assume the limited wisdom of us as persons, our inability to be ‘Fixit persons’, and yet assume the wisdom of God in His word, His gifts of wisdom at points of need, and His presence with us as we seek to love, understand and discern the needs of others.