Comments on: Is it Time for More Positive Biblical Counseling? https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/  Informing Minds. Moving Hearts. Directing Hands. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:08:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.41 By: Links to Help Your Gospel Grip (3.23.2013) | Gospel Gripped https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17915 Sat, 23 Mar 2013 13:25:48 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17915 [...] Is It Time for More Positive Biblical Counseling? (David Murray) Isn’t it beyond time for biblical counseling to become a more positive movement? Yes, of course we must continue to get involved in the mess and rubble of people’s lives. But what about forging an additional positive path? Building another brighter dimension to the movement? Adding the banjo to the violin? Getting on to the front foot and leading people proactively rather than waiting for disasters and then reacting? [...]

]]> By: Matt https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17250 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:38:05 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17250 I think what you’re asking for is a theological system and the application of that system in preaching, in particular, that is where the necessary reformation must take place.

If one is convinced (against Scripture, I think) that things are “getting worse and worse,” then I think more positive biblical counsel is not likely, perhaps impossible.

If, by contrast, one is inclined to think that the Gospel is actually thriving/growing in the world (irrespective of N. America) – which it CLEARLY is – then one finds ample reason for rejoicing.

]]> By: Links I like | Blogging Theologically https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17217 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:01:45 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17217 [...] Is it time for more positive biblical counseling? [...]

]]> By: Brian https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17200 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:26:54 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17200 David: What you suggest re Paul and the Philippians is something that I do as a leader of a home-group, in my preaching of sermons, in visiting those who have expressed a need of a pastoral visit but not necessarily in an intensive discipleship session except as a part of my counselling. What Paul wrote was addressed to the corporate body of believers, yet would be pertinent to individuals. Context would determine how he would preach and teach surely. Having said this I appreciate your point and concern.

]]> By: David Murray https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17174 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:12:09 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17174 Brian: I think that reveals the default mindset I was talking about. I don’t think the Apostle Paul thought like that when he was writing Philippians. He counseled, exhorted, and guided people into joy and more joy. It will take a lot of work, but perhaps over time counselors could get more involved in multiplying people’s joy, peace, hope, love. I don’t think the Bible divides the pastoral task between counselors (sad & negative stuff) and others (happy & positive stuff). That’s not good for the counselors nor the counseled.

]]> By: Brian https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17168 Wed, 20 Mar 2013 02:42:51 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17168 It seems to me that you are overlooking the obvious and that is ‘Why would anyone go for counselling if they didn’t have a problem to start with’? Yes of course every counsellor including the biblical counsellor wants to see people restored and healed. This means that the end result ought to be positive but surely it is always going to start out as a negative and that is where our focus will be initially. While there will often be tears in my office in most cases ‘Joy does come in the morning’ and that has always been the mission of the biblical counsellor.

]]> By: Sonia https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17078 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:47:06 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17078 We definitely need more “banjo with the violon”!!! I like that. Thank you for this blog.

]]> By: Rob https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17077 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:45:32 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17077 Dear Dr./Pastor Murray,
I find your post interesting … in the various emphases of Reformed conservative evangelical circles they seem to have an image to keep up … always obedient, always faithful, always self-disinterested, but the truth be told is most likely more realistic than this. Any resources, books, articles, sites, blogs, etc … that you would suggest in this regard?

]]> By: Rick https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17072 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:11:28 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17072 Well said, brother. It really is easier to focus only on causes of personal struggle and forget about teaching people how to delight in the Lord, rejoice always, and make melody from the heart.

]]> By: Jeff https://headhearthand.org/blog/2013/03/19/is-it-time-for-a-more-positive-biblical-counseling/#comment-17066 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 12:27:51 +0000 http://headhearthand.org/?p=12258#comment-17066 Agreed. So much of “Biblical Counseling” takes a decidedly negative angle, not just because of the sins of the counselee, but sometimes because of the self-righteousness of the counselor. If we all had a healthy dose of our own need for the grace of God and our own need to be fulfilled only in Him, we might be a little more gracious AND positive in our approach. The ” joy of The Lord is my strength,” and oh, how I need to remember that as a counselor of people seeking joy!

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