What does it mean to counsel biblically?
Asked by: Shanon Lueilwitz | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (42 votes)
Biblical counseling is an approach to holistic soul-care that is informed, bound, and shaped by the Scriptures as the authoritative Word of God. Biblical counselors seek to apply God's truth to every area of life, particularly when someone is struggling with sin and the trials brought on by living in a fallen world.
What does counsel mean in Biblical terms?
The noun “counsel” means advice, especially that given formally. Counsel is synonymous with guidance, direction and instruction. The Hebrew word that best communicates the concept of counsel is 'esah, which adds purpose or plan to the definition. It is both used of God's counsel and of human counsel.
How do you biblically counsel someone?
- Direct them to God as Helper. ...
- Take them to God's throne of grace. ...
- Listen much, speak little. ...
- Listen to their symptoms. ...
- Ask lots of questions. ...
- Begin to apply appropriate Scriptures. ...
- Give biblical hope and homework. ...
- Again, take them to the throne of grace in prayer.
What is the meaning of counseling in the Bible?
Definition. Biblical Counseling is the process where the Bible, God's Word, is related individually to a person or persons who are struggling under the weight of personal sin and/or the difficulties with suffering, so that he or she might genuinely change in the inner person to be pleasing to God.
What is the Biblical way of counseling?
Biblical counseling is the personal discipleship ministry of God's people to others under the oversight of God's church, dependent upon the authority and sufficiency of God's Word through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical Counseling vs. Christian Counseling: What’s the Difference?
What does "council" mean biblically?
In Psalms 68:27 the word "council" means simply a company of persons. (RSV marg., "company.") In ecclesiastical history the word is used to denote an assembly of pastors or bishops for the discussion and regulation of church affairs.
What is the biblical principle of counseling?
The key principles of biblical counseling include the authority of Scripture, the doctrine of sin, and the person and work of Christ. These principles provide a foundation for understanding human nature, addressing problems, and pursuing spiritual transformation.
What does Scripture say about counseling?
Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Proverbs 24:6 – “For by wise guidance you can wage your war (daily struggles), and in the abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 19:20 – The Word of God encourages us to be humble and accept instruction from others.
What is the primary goal of Biblical counseling?
-To help the counselee find salvation, forgiveness, healing, deliverance, comfort, and answers to problems through application of scriptural principles.
What is the fruit of Biblical counseling?
The fruit of counseling is spiritually mature people who increasingly reflect Christ (relationally, rationally, volitionally, and emotionally) by enjoying and exalting God and by loving others well and wisely (Matthew 22:35-40; Galatians 5:22-6:10).
How do you counsel someone spiritually?
Guidelines for helping others spiritually
Help the person relax and connect with their calm center within, to be better able to express their higher Self. Be the friend of their soul. Actively listen and attune your heart and mind to their reality. Be fully present and project vibrations of peace and hope.
What are the 6 key elements of biblical counseling?
Formal biblical counseling involves utilizing six key elements: Data gathering, building a relationship (involvement), determining ministry needs, ministering the Word, communicating hope, and implementing homework.
What is the meaning of godly counsel?
Godly counselors tell the truth even at the risk of being disliked. Ephesians 4:16 says, “... speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." Their primary desire is to help cultivate growth for the sake of the gospel.
What is the real meaning of counsel?
to give advice, especially on social or personal problems: The police have provided experts to counsel local people affected by the tragedy.
What is the spiritual gift of counsel?
The gift of counsel is “to render the individual docile and receptive to the counsel of God regarding one's actions in view of sanctification and salvation.” Primarily, this gift enables a person to judge individual acts as good and ought to be done, or as evil and ought to be avoided.
What is the spiritual meaning of counselor?
John 14:26 NKJV tells us the Counselor is the “Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” He is our Helper. Other translations, for the word Helper, say Advocate, Intercessor, Comforter, Strengthener and Standby.
What does biblical counseling look like?
For Biblical counseling to be rooted in God, it must acknowledge God as the Creator of all things, uphold the sovereignty and authority of God, remain confident in God's eternal work in His people, rely upon God's Word for knowledge, wisdom and direction, embrace characteristic's of God's counsel including compassion, ...
What is counseling in Bible?
Biblical counseling is an approach to holistic soul-care that is informed, bound, and shaped by the Scriptures as the authoritative Word of God. Biblical counselors seek to apply God's truth to every area of life, particularly when someone is struggling with sin and the trials brought on by living in a fallen world.
What are the characteristics of biblical counseling?
The same characteristics are necessary for all biblical counselors. Biblical counselors need to be full of spiritual goodness, have a thorough knowledge of Scripture, and be able to instruct others skillfully with Scripture.
What does counsel mean in the Bible?
koun'-sel, koun'-seler (sumboulion): Ordinarily found as object of verb "to take" or "to give," expressing, beside the idea of a practical end to be reached, that of consultation and deliberation among those united in a common cause (Matthew 12:14; Mark 3:6).
How to counsel someone biblically?
Express your reliance upon the power of God, and expect that power to be manifested as you counsel. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance, because what you see or hear on the surface may not be the real problem. Ask for divine revelation of the true issues that need to be addressed. Ask questions.
What is spiritual Counselling?
Spiritual Counseling: What is it? Spiritual therapy goes beyond traditional forms of psychotherapy by tapping into the importance of religion or spirituality within a person's life. It aims to integrate standard therapy techniques with religious/spiritual practices and wisdom.
What is the biblical approach to counseling?
The distinctives of biblical counseling, as Scott describes them, are the incorporation of church involvement as a necessary component of therapy, the expectation that the Holy Spirit will work through the use of Scripture to affect change, and accountability being part of the counselor's role.
What are the three core principles of Counselling?
- Empathy (the counsellor trying to understand the client's point of view)
- Congruence (the counsellor being a genuine person)
- Unconditional positive regard (the counsellor being non-judgemental)
What is biblical counseling called?
Nouthetic counseling (Greek: noutheteo, 'to admonish') is a form of evangelical Protestant pastoral counseling based upon conservative evangelical interpretation of the Bible.