One Another Care, Our Universal Calling
Every. One. Together.
As Believers, we are capable of instructing (and learning from) one another, because of our shared faith and the knowledge and wisdom we have gained through the Scriptures. All Believers have a role to play in building up the body of Christ and helping one another grow in our relationship with God. We are all meant to function together as a cohesive unit—based on the principle of "one another care," which is caring for one another within the Church community. Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." It is important that Believers support and help one another through difficult times. Formal biblical counseling provides guidance and support for individuals who are struggling with specific issues or challenges. At the Biblical Counseling Hub, we emphasize the importance of relationships in the context of community in the healing process. Many emotional struggles are exacerbated by feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disconnection from others. Biblical counseling and discipleship seeks to help people build strong, healthy relationships that provide support, encouragement, and accountability.
An example of "one another care" is found in James 5:16, which says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." This passage highlights the importance of Believers confiding in one another and praying for one another's healing. Biblical counseling and discipleship seeks to provide a safe and encouraging space for individuals to be honest in their struggles and receive guidance on how to overcome them.
In addition to the fellowship they experience in formal counseling situations, we encourage counselees to get involved in an ongoing discipleship relationship with another brother or sister in Christ and to become involved with a community of Believers. As it is important for a biblical counselor to come alongside a person to help them move past an area they are stuck or struggling, it is just as important for us to come alongside each other in ongoing discipleship relationships. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Who is qualified to counsel?
Romans 15:14: "And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another."
Galatians 6:1-2: "Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ."
Ephesians 4:14-15: "We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ."
1 Timothy 4:16: "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."
Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."
James 5:19-20: "My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."
Resources
“Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change” buy Paul David Tripp
“Biblical Counseling and the Church” by Robert Kellemen and Jeff Forrey
“Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“Christian Counselor’s Manual” by Jay Adams
“Can We Talk?” by Rob Green
“Counseling: MacArthur Pastor’s Library” by John MacArthur
“A Theology of Biblical Counseling, The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry” by Heath Lambert
“Counseling One Another: A Theology of Inter-personal Discipleship” by Paul Tautges
“Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically” by John MacArthur
“How to Help People Change” by Jay Adams
“Seeing with New Eyes” by David Powlison
