When you have been wronged it can be hard to consider mercy, but when you are the one who has done wrong, mercy can be what saves you. Certainly looking at truth about yourself can be unacceptable without grace. The Bible is essentially stories of redemption, and how a living and interactive God intervenes in the lives of regular people. Due to the graphic nature of man’s offenses in the Bible, one is left with the impression that God can redeem anything. Without grace, we cannot grow. Read the rest of this entry »
Grace Over Judgment
August 11th, 2010Emotions versus Actions
June 24th, 2010Many present a split between emotions and actions. Thus we may not be able to help feeling a certain way but feelings are okay as long as we do not act on them. Examples would be fear, anger, or desire. These feelings are not thought of as right or wrong, but instead one evaluates one’s actions as right or wrong. So acting right is more important. Similarly, if one does not feel enough joy, hope, or love, one may put more emphasis on actions, focusing instead on doing what is right. Read the rest of this entry »
Are Emotions Commanded?
June 12th, 2010There are many commands to have or not have particular emotions in the Bible in a given context. Many Christians focus on what they do or not do, and leave the emotional side as out of their control. However, emotions reflect beliefs and values, and thus are a valid window into the soul. They are not to be left behind in view of “doing the right thing.” Many come to counseling because they feel their emotions are out of control. Read the rest of this entry »
The Heart in the Bible
May 19th, 2010God works through the heart (Jeremiah 31:33). It is out of the heart that we connect with God (Romans 10:10). We are told not to lose heart (Galatians 6:9). What does the heart represent in the Bible? Read the rest of this entry »
Follow your Heart?
May 11th, 2010The Bible says the heart is deceitful. Counseling however, often encourages one to listen to the heart. The Bible also talks about how God works through the heart. Perhaps the heart is deceitful, and God works to change the heart.
How might God work through the heart? There are many accounts in the Bible. Read the rest of this entry »
The Rich Young Ruler
April 23rd, 2010Maybe you have heard the story of the rich young ruler who asked Jesus what does he have to do to get to heaven. Jesus told him to give away his belongings and follow him. The rich young ruler went away very sad. Still today there are many who strive to please their god, trying to attain an external standard instead of being internally driven. How would this rich young man respond if he understood Jesus when Jesus talked about his burden being easy and light, or that the truth will set you free?
The author Dan Blair is a Christian therapist at Blair Counseling and Mediation.
Stress Management Tips
April 14th, 2010I wrote a Top Ten List of helpful approaches to stress management, incorporating Biblical approaches.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Read the rest of this entry »