Page 65 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

Put on compassion, tenderness, respect, etc. (Matt. 9:35-36; 1 Thess. 2:7-8).

Learn to empathize with others.
• Try to put yourself in their situation.
• Think of this person as family.
• Remember you own sinfulness and weakness. Lead from brokenness.

Walk with them (Prov. 17:17; 18:24; 2 Tim. 2:22).

Pray with them (Phil. 1:3-4; Jam. 5:16)

Demonstrate grace to them (Eph. 4:1-2; Col. 4:6).

Weep with them (Rom. 12:15).

Offer hope (1 Cor. 10:13; Phil. 1:6).
• Remember the basis of our hope (John 15:5; Col. 1:27).
• Provide them with simple action steps that will help them experience grace.

Investigation (Prov. 18:15).
Investigation is really just the practice of listening well and flows out of a sincere concern for the other person.
In order to help people, you need to have some idea of what they are going through, what they are feeling, what
their circumstances are, what resources they have available, etc. Too often we try to “help” people before we
understand what the issues are and often end up missing the mark and leaving the person feeling hopeless. The
following are ways to practice good listening:

Have a plan for uncovering the issues (Prov. 21:5).
• Appropriately learn what you can before you meet.
• Be prepared with good questions (Prov. 20:5; Mark 8:27, 29).

Characteristics of Good Questions
• Thoughtful and gracious.
• Relevant.
• Aimed at producing facts.
• Open-ended.

Use the acronym PREACH for gaining insight into their situation.
• Are there relevant Physical issues: lack of sleep, alcohol use, disabilities, poor health, etc.?
• What Resources does this person have available: church, family, friends, etc.?
• What Emotional issues is this person struggling with: fear, worry, bitterness, anger, etc.?

• What Actions has this person taken to solve the problem?

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