When Paul listed the parts of God's armor in Ephesians 5 he was preparing us for spiritual warfare. Christian counselors come alongside hurting people to help fight this battle.
People often come to counseling with what I think of as a "tangled ball" of emotions, fears, and false beliefs. Counselors help their counselees sort out these issues and, hopefully, lead them to the freedom found in a relationship with God through faith in Christ.
Not everyone will be reception to the gospel of course; however, Christian counselors trust in the work of Holy Spirit and know the He is the one who softens hearts and opens eyes. Interestingly, people are often not aware of their own feelings or beliefs. For example, someone may acknowledge anger and resentment but not realize that he carries a deep sense of shame and guilt. Another person may find fault with everyone else and remain unaware that she believes she is unlovable.
The counselor, with Christlikeness, provides a safe haven for people to explore these issues in the light of God's love and grace. Secular counselors certainly help people "feel better", but this state of being is only temporal. Salvation through Christ, freedom from sin and Satan's deceptions, sanctification, spiritual maturity, mental and physical health: these are the goals of Christian counseling.
Truth, through the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, dispels darkness.
I like this beginning to your blog-the way you hold brokenness up to the light of grace-well written and thought provoking!
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