Counseling Compared To Community
“Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”- Galatians 6:2
“Not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.” – Philippians 2:4
“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” – John 13:45
Modern psychology began in the 1800’s. Like medicine, one discovery in understanding became the basis for others. By the late 1900’s, leaders in a number of churches across the United States had been influenced by some of the insights into human behavior from this discipline. As a result, some churches that could afford it, added counselors to their staffs. Yet counseling may fail to recognize and confront the source of unhealthy thinking and behavior.
Jesus promised, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” –John 8:32 The truth about ourselves, unknown or ignored, encases pain, begets diversions, and often results in unhealthy behavior. Only the truth can set us free. Knowing the truth about our selves frees us to seek Jesus’ life repeatedly. Because Jesus bore the guilt and shame of our sin, all who trust him begin to overcome it and the guilt it brings. Speaking truth in love, back and forth, helps us all see ourselves - and crucify our remaining pride.
“Confess your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed.”-James 5:16 These words imply true community – hearing and speaking - to God and each another. But such speaking is often lacking among church members. Even the format of most assemblies does not provide opportunity for true community to occur. “Above all things, being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covers a multitude of sins.”- 1 Peter 4:8 Yet the community that is lacking in churches, has occurred in AA meetings for 70 years.
Alcoholics Anonymous began in 1935. In AA, the open exchanges concerning temptation, failure, self, and our need for God’s power to change us, have brought freedom to burdened souls around the world. AA is not magical, it simply implements the power of truth spoken and received, that changes lives. It requires courage to speak truly, back and forth. But as we do, the Spirit opens our hearts to receive the power of Jesus’ endless Life. True community is needed in every church to help free us from our selves - to share his Life. “Wherefore, putting away falsehood, speak you truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.”- Ephesians 4:25
“But now you seek to kill me, a man that has told you the truth.” - John 8:40
“So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” - Galatians 4:16
“Down in the human heart, crushed by the Tempter, feeling lie buried, that grace can restore; touched by a loving hand, wakened by kindness, chords that were broken, will vibrate once more.” – Fanny J. Crosby (Rescue The Perishing, vs.3)
1/23/05, # 45