(A continuation of Your Emotional Relationship: Jesus as Counselor)
Experts tell us that one of the most important traits of a good counselor is the ability to listen intently to the patient. Some even say that this quality alone, without further training in psychology, can be of inestimable help to a person in need. Troubled people desperately need someone to listen really to their personal stories. Any counselor who doesn’t listen must operate out of his or her assumptions about the patient, and those assumptions may well be false. Jesus, however, is the “Wonderful Counselor.” He not only fulfills the role of the counselor with perfection, but He also understands our unique situations because He came in the flesh to experience everything we go through in life. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16.
The difference between Christ and us is that He did not sin, but the temptation to sin was just as real and compelling for Him as it is for us. Also, tested, is another translation of the word tempted. Physical suffering, emotional distress and rejection severely tested the character of Jesus. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11.
Jesus knew fear and ridicule. Herod sought to kill him as a baby. It is possible that He felt scorned as illegitimate because of rumors that Joseph nearly divorced His mother, Mary. And when He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” Matthew 13:54-56. He suffered prejudice, hatred, and fear. The Jews accused Him of blasphemy, violating the Law of Moses, fraternizing with the sinners and riffraff of the day, and claiming to be God. He was deserted by His followers, lied on, betrayed by a friend, falsely accused, arraigned on trumped up charges, unjustly sentenced, mocked as a pretend king, tortured, beaten and crucified. These experiences make Jesus the ideal counselor; a counselor who did not suffer vicariously through the lives of others, but personally felt the sting of pain. You can count on Jesus!
What a Friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear;
What a privileged to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Jesus Knows Your Heart.
For many, the frustration of being misunderstood is the worst kind of dysfunction in relationships. Even during the lowest times, we feel better when, at the very least, someone understands our troubles. The Scriptures reveal to us, however, that Jesus knows our hearts. In one instance, the disciples were arguing with each other. Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” Luke 9:46-48. Jesus did not resolve the dispute by wisdom only, but by a supernatural insight into the very thoughts of their hearts.
This truth is especially powerful considering the fact that we do not know our own hearts. We have motives, desires, drives, compulsions, and biases of which many of us are unaware. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:9-10. We may be puzzled about why things happen as they do, why we have certain problems, and what we should do to make our lives more peaceful. As we pray about these problems, Jesus brings hidden things to light and shines the light of understanding on things that were previously a mystery to us. Human wisdom often leads us astray, but when we develop a relationship with Jesus, He can bring divine revelation to us about the difficulties in our lives.
Christ’s knowledge about each individual person in this world goes beyond our thought-life. It includes every detail about us, thus qualifying Him to be the best counselor any one of us could consult. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:6-7.
There are many other aspects to emotional therapy we can received through a close relationship with Jesus.
- Jesus is the antidote to sadness. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12-13.
- Jesus will help you to forgive. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You. Psalm 86:4-5.
- Jesus will help you to confront. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:7-8.
- Jesus will alleviate your guilt feelings. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32.
- Jesus will help you to love and respect yourself. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” John 8:10-11,
As we evaluate our relationship with Jesus through the lens of emotion, one more word is very significant: whole. When Jesus touched someone to heal or deliver them, it was often said that they were made whole. But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matthew 9:22 (KJV) The Greek word for whole is sozo, and is usually translated as saved or healed. The connotation is that Jesus not only stops the pain and suffering, he restores to good health. He makes us complete. Wholeness of body, soul and spirit is found in the relationship with Jesus.