Chapter 85—Counseling
The Need of Counselors—Oh, for generals, wise and considerate,
well-balanced men, who will be safe advisers, who have some insight
into human nature, who know how to direct and counsel in the fear of
God.—Lt 45, 1893. (
Selected Messages 2:362
.)
An Ear That Can Listen With Sympathy—There is need of
shepherds who, under the direction of the Chief Shepherd, will seek
for the lost and straying. This means the bearing of physical discomfort
and the sacrifice of ease. It means a tender solicitude for the erring,
a divine compassion and forbearance. It means an ear that can listen
with sympathy to heartbreaking recitals of wrong, of degradation, of
despair and misery.—
Gospel Workers, 184
(1915).
The Importance of the Work of the Pastor-Counselor—As the
physician deals with physical disease, so does the pastor minister to
the sin-sick soul. And his work is as much more important than that of
the physician as eternal life is more valuable than temporal existence.
The pastor meets with an endless variety of temperaments, and it is his
duty to become acquainted with the members of the families that listen
to his teachings in order to determine what means will best influence
[764]
them in the right direction.—
Gospel Workers, 388
(1915).
Take People Where They Are—To take people right where they
are, whatever their position, whatever their condition, and help them
in every way possible—this is gospel ministry. It may be necessary
for ministers to go into the homes of the sick and say, “I am ready to
help you, and I will do the best I can. I am not a physician, but I am a
minister, and I like to minister to the sick and afflicted.” Those who
are sick in body are nearly always sick in soul, and when the soul is
sick, the body is made sick.—MS 62, 1900. (.)
Anticipating Sorrows—The Lord’s workers need the melting love
of Jesus in their hearts. Let every minister live as a man among men.
Let him, in well-regulated methods, go from house to house, bearing
ever the censer of heaven’s fragrant atmosphere of love. Anticipate the
sorrows, the difficulties, the troubles of others. Enter into the joys and
307