It happens every year – our waiting list grows over the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s. Many factors seem to be involved:
– Some slow down long enough to realize that there are real issues in their lives that need to be handled
– Some are hurting because the holidays are a mixed bag. On the one hand, they are encouraged to celebrate the birth of our savior. On the other hand, they are mourning the loss of a loved one and they are feeling especially lonely.
– Others have made some sort of New Year’s resolution that their parenting, their marriage, or their finances need to get to a better place.
Whatever the motivation, this period of time provides special opportunities to minister the love and Word of Jesus. Here are three ways to take advantage of these opportunities.
#1. Be Especially Gracious
Of course, we need to be gracious all the time. But you may be reading this having just finished a wonderful time with your family. It is easy to think your counselees have done the same. In reality, their holidays may have been filled with tension and strife. This is a time to be particularly aware of the challenges that your counselees face.
#2. Be Especially Hopeful
There is hope in the power of the gospel! Jesus saves and Jesus sanctifies. Loneliness – Jesus knows about that. Loss – Jesus knows about that. Betrayal – Jesus knows about that too. Grab the counselees hand and run with them as fast as possible to Jesus. He is the healer of all wounds. This is true for both your counselee’s suffering and their sin.
#3. Be Especially Loving
In Scripture, we are commanded many times to love one another. In fact, we are commanded to love one another as Jesus has loved us. This may not always be easy, but it is our privilege.
We, at Faith, hope you have a wonderful new year. May the Lord work mightily through you this year.
