Christian Spiritual Counseling

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Certification in Christian Counseling: Reconciliation as Religious Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Certification in Christian Counseling: Reconciliation is also counseling

Within Catholic theology, the Seven Sacraments are outward signs that produce grace. Each grace that is particular to a sacrament has a particular function within the soul’s spiritual life. This sacramental grace helps the person carry out particular spiritual tasks within the domain of the sacrament. Christian 

Counselors within the Catholic tradition have a particular aid in helping their clients overcome sin, grief and despair via the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In fact, confession in itself is a religious counseling session. Many priests who administer the sacrament become Christian counselors by the very fact they lend their ear to the concerns and worries of the faithful. This ultimate form of counseling is followed with a dose of divine grace that refreshes the soul by removing sin, inclinations to sin, and a infusion of hope within the penitent.

The first aspect to consider is the psychological nature of confession. In all counseling, identifying problems and bringing them out into the open are keys for success. Within the sacred seal of confession, the penitent reveals his or her sins, issues and problems to someone. This exposure and admittance of problems opens up the channel for psychological healing and habitual corrections. The next psychological element involves advice from a third party. This advice comes from a trained pastoral professional; the better the counseling skills within the priest, the better the outcome. This is a nature of confession that many faithful discount. They consider it merely a verbal listing of bad actions without feedback for correction or healing. The role of a priest in this second part of confession is to guide and help the person amend his or her life. The third psychological element of confession is forgiveness. It is true within Catholic theology that God does forgive those who seek forgiveness outside the bounds of confession. It is also true, however, that the official sacramental infusion of grace is completed via the absolution by the priest. The priest, as an instrument of grace, represents Christ and as his representative infuses the grace of the Holy Spirit upon the penitent. If one believes this theology, the psychological benefits are immense. The person again feels hope, forgiveness and healing. Whether one is agnostic, atheist, or even non-Catholic, one cannot deny these three psychological benefits of confession. 
The second aspect involves the theology which while open to debate outside of Catholic circles remains a steadfast tradition within the Church. A Christian spiritual counselor  or one who is certified in Christian counseling who utilizes the sacramental graces of confession as a spiritual medicine for his or her client is utilizing a great tool. The sacrament spiritually nourishes the soul in healing. It forgives the stain of the sin and its odious stench, removing the attachments of vice. It is not enough to forgive the sin, but to find its root in its particular vice. This is the deeper element of the sacramental cleansing of confession. Furthermore, while removing the demons of vice and sin, it strengthens and heals the soul for future confrontations. This is why frequent confession is encouraged. It literally is a bathing of the soul.
Yet as Christian spiritual counselors, non Catholics do not have this psychological and spiritual tool at their disposal. This may be due to differences in theological beliefs or a different tradition. I recommend within Protestant circles, a strong emphasis during counseling on prayers to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the primary key within the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and there is no reason why when two meet in the Lord’s name that his Spirit would not manifest and strengthen. Many counselors have various gifts of the spirit in which they can lay hands or invoke the presence of the Holy Spirit. Such outward signs of prayer and laying of hands can also give the spiritual and psychological benefits needed for non Catholic Christians.
In conclusion, while this article primarily focused on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a few things can be gained by counselors of all Christian denominations. First, outward signs of religious faith are essential for healing. We are composed of body and soul. Our physical senses are essential to spiritual healing. Human nature is intrinsically interwoven with both matter and spirit. Hence when treating a malady, one must treat both elements. Second, the psychological effects that correlate with the spiritual effects cannot be underestimated. While the psychological effects are manifestations of the spiritual, one cannot deny even from a secular view that such religious traditions are not worthwhile. On the contrary, religious traditions that foster forgiveness, healing and hope are instrumental to someone’s recovery. If one wants to merely believe this is psychological and not spiritual, then so be it, but the reality is man is a spiritual creature and innately searches for his creator which is God. Only God can give the satisfaction and happiness to overcome sin and despair.
If you are interested in a certification in Christian Counseling, please review the program. Our certification in Christian counseling covers many aspects of the practice and is based upon Christ and the Bible.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Christian Biblical Counseling: Advent Preparation in Religious Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Religious Counselors Must Reintroduce Christ to Christmas

The secularization of religious feasts is common in America. The Christmas season which spiritually begins December 25th, begins on Black Friday after Thanksgiving. Instead of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ, the nation that night prepares wish lists and compares the best sale. Where Christian charity and giving should exist, there is capitalistic greed. This unfortunate side effect of secularization and materialism has driven the idea of spiritual preparation into the distant past. As religious 

counselors and leaders within the church, it is your obligation to help rejuvenate the ideals of Advent.

While Lent in the past has received a greater emphasis in regards to fasting, Advent also represents a time to fast.  While voluntary, fasting during Advent can be especially spiritually enriching as the soul prepares itself for the coming of Christ.  As Christians, we live in a world where Christ historically has already came and resurrected and we wait merely a month in commemoration.   However, the “Advent” period of the Old Testament started with the fall of Adam and was carried through the great Patriarchs to the simply “yes” of the Virgin Mary.  All the great prophets, from Abraham to Moses, awaited the coming of the Messiah.  After their deaths, they awaited in limbo.  This time of preparation of the “Old Church” is something the “New Church” recognizes within Advent.  It shares with the “Old Church” a time of spiritual preparation and anticipation of the greatest event in human history.  In Christian Biblical Counseling, one must make it evident to your spiritual children that the time for festivity must not take priority over this spiritual preparation.
As a Christian counselor one must emphasize the greatness of the Incarnation.  The miraculous event of the 2nd person of the Blessed Trinity, taking upon a human nature, but retaining his divine nature is an article of faith that transcends any preconceived notions of love.   This gift of love can be seen on two levels.  First, from a redemptive view, it was the gift of Christ himself to the world as both priest and victim, God and man, who placed himself upon the altar to be sacrificed for man’s sins.  From manger to cross, Christ’s life was for our redemption. Second, from a view of pure love, the 2nd person clothed himself in flesh, and became man to share and teach man how to live, suffer, and love. As a divine being, the 2ndperson was immutable. Any action against him could not harm him or hurt him, but only imbalance the weight of justice. As a human person, God allowed himself to experience the 

intimacy of human love with its interdependence and interaction. While the love of the trinity was perfect, the happiness of God could never be altered by a mere finite creation, but via the Incarnation, creature and creator could share in a personal love that was different and in some ways more intense. So, via the Incarnation, not only did the 2nd Person prepare himself for the redemption of man, but also prepared himself to love man at a different level and way that solely as a divine being he could never do.

With such a deep theology, a Christian spiritual counselor should prepare his spiritual children. As Mary said yes and prepared herself for nine months, so we are only asked to prepare ourselves for one month. Christian counselors can offer a variety of methods for preparation such as increased fasting, minor sacrifices, reading of scripture and more prayer. Traditions from the local church or parish should also be emphasized and attended. Also include in decorations a manager set that constantly reminds one why the season is being celebrated. Of course the final preparation is celebrating worship service or Mass at your local church.
While the Christmas tree, stockings, and the ideas of Santa Clause are important social traditions, one must understand that these festivities and traditions are merely the side dishes of Christmas. The main course is the Incarnation of Christ and his amazing love for mankind. Christ is born—Glorify Him!

If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program in Christian Biblical Counseling.

By Mark Moran, MA

The Seven Spiritual Acts of Mercy and Christian Biblical Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Biblical Counseling and the Charisms of the Holy Spirit

The charisms of the Holy Spirit give each individual in Christ’s Body the ability to contribute to the bettering of the Church Militant on earth. As a body, each part plays a fundamental role. Your role as a counselor is an important one. While not only guiding people to a healthy state of life, you are also spiritually guiding them to Christian principles. The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy come to my mind here. As a young boy, my catechism listed works considered by Christ to be important in 

1.To Admonish the Sinner- This does not involve judgment but relates to a Christian’s obligation to give testimony to what is right or wrong.
2.To Instruct the Ignorant- This involves teaching. Ignorant does not relate to stupidity, it relates to ignorance and not knowing. The divine command to preach the gospel comes to mind here.
3.To Counsel the Doubtful- The word “counsel” is even used here. Clearly a Christian has a vocation to be a counselor in helping those in doubt and worry.
4.To Comfort the Sorrowful- One of the primary purposes of counseling is not only to help those in confusion but to help heal the broken.
The final three deal with a more personal level. The final three include praying for the living and the dead, bearing wrongs patiently, and forgiving ones enemies. I think these spiritual works are all pertinent to a good Christian Biblical counseling base because they fulfill the primary needs a counselor gives to someone. A counselor corrects bad behavior, gives instruction and advice, and comforts those in distress. In many ways, the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are the code of any counselor.
What one can learn from these seven acts of Christian spiritual charity is that everyone is called to be a counselor in some sense. We are all called as brothers and sisters in Christ to take a personal interest in our fellow man’s need; a need that is beyond the mere physical, but a need that touches the core of one’s soul. While counselors professionally offer this service, Christians in general must offer this service in their everyday life. This is the blessing that comes with Christian counseling. It produces a twofold blessing of not only a career but also a vocation.

If you are interested in Christian Counseling courses, please review the program. If you would like to learn where you can take online Christian Counseling courses, then please review the program.

By Mark Moran, MA

How Biblical Counseling Uses the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Biblical Counseling and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

At Baptism, the Holy Spirit infuses into the soul, the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. Through the grace of God, the soul is infused with new life. These virtues if cultivated produce the four cardinal virtues or moral virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. They guide one’s soul in its interaction with the passions and other people. The receiving of the spirit completes these virtues. In Protestant circles this is referred to as the laying of the hands and within Catholic circles this is referred to as the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is important in Biblical counseling to cultivate these gifts.

Upon receiving the Holy Spirit in Baptism and the later laying of hands, a Christian is spiritually born and later turned into a soldier for Christ. The Holy Spirit then can impart certain gifts and upon the reception of such gifts produce beautiful fruits that can adorn the Christian soul. Let us look at them.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are referred to in Isaiah 11:2-3. The gifts are as follows:
1.Wisdom- Wisdom here refers to knowledge of spiritual and practical things; a knowledge that entails guidance. The wisdom of Solomon is a good example of this gift. Wisdom is clearly a gift needed for any Christian biblical counselor.
2.Understanding- Understanding refers to a person’s ability to see clearly the laws of God and apply them in a confusing immoral world. One understands how to follow Christ in this world.
3.Counsel- Again we see counseling as a God given gift from the Spirit. This has to do with right and wrong and proper judgment. It is an internal compass for you and your clients.
4.Fortitude- One of the moral virtues is found in this group. The ability to handle hardship with Christian hope.
5.Knowledge- This knowledge refers to spiritual affairs of knowing God, his laws and revelation.
6.Piety- Humility and reverence for God
7.Fear of the Lord- Awe for God’s omnipotence and greatness.
If you are interested in the Christian Spiritual Counseling Certification Program, please review. To become a Christian Biblical Counselor, you need to complete the required courses.

Fighting the Seven Sins through Christian Spiritual Counseling

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

 How can counseling help against the seven sins?

The role of the Christian Counselor goes beyond the mere guidance in times of crisis or trouble but is a role that takes upon mentorship and spiritual guidance in everyday life as well.A spiritual adviser within Catholic circles is usually a priest, but within Christianity as a whole, many lay men and women take upon this role in character formation of their spiritual children.Hence Christian mentorship and spiritual guidance become core elements in Christian Spiritual Counseling. In accepting this role, the Christian counselor becomes a moral compass, guiding his or her spiritual children through the wilderness of the world.

Moral guidance is especially important. In guiding other souls, the Christian counselor points to the commandments, scripture, and God as sources of inspiration to instill virtue. The Christian counselor also guides the soul from sources that instill vice. In looking at the tree of vice, one must pin point the 

people should train their mind to control their passions via abstinence, fasting, and denial. Yet the senses are powerful things and in many cases can gain the upper hand. The primary four vices connected to the senses are sloth, greed, gluttony and lust.

The final two vices deal more with a deeper reaction that goes beyond the initial senses but involves a deep recollection of the object and the agent’s correlation with that object. In such cases, wrath and envy manifest themselves. In the case of wrath, the object upsets the agent and induces an emotional state within the mind that results in violence, unjust anger, and hate. In the case of envy, the object induces an unjust desire of wanting what is not legally the agent’s possession. These reactions are more complex than the previous four because

while they do initially stem from the senses, they eventually are analyzed by the intellect.

As Christian counselors, when encountering these spiritual maladies in their spiritual children, they should look for the roots of these vices and what is causing the particular vice. Is there a particular occasion or place that induces this vice? Also a counselor should look to scripture and other pious sources for ways to combat this particular vice and demon. In most cases, abstinence, denial, fasting and prayer become excellent weapons against the particular sin. Also, usually the virtue that polarly correlates with the vice is the best remedy; for example, humility to fight pride, or patience to fight anger. There is a virtue that counters every capital sin. 

In attempting to cultivate the virtues necessary to fight vice, praying to the Holy Spirit for his grace, gifts and virtues becomes the essential and first step. The Holy Spirit’s gifts, grace and virtues strengthen the Christian in his or her particular charisms and spiritual talents. Also, one should encourage those within the various traditions of Christianity to take advantage of various rituals to enhance their connection with God and to spiritually strengthen their soul. In Protestant circles, this may include prayer circles services and other gatherings, while in Catholic circles they may also include sacramental participation. Use of the sacrament of reconciliation and frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist are excellent sources for Catholics to strengthen their moral armor against sin. In the end, both traditions should take advantage of the rich divine words of Scripture.
If you are interested in becoming certified as a Christian Counselor, pleaser review the program.
 
By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Christian Counseling Courses: How to Counsel Lust?

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Religious Counseling of the Vice of Lust

One of the most addicting and habitual vice is the sins of the flesh. These sins involve man’s lower  

passions that are correlated with his five senses. Even more addicting is the fact they correlate with man’s natural desire for procreation. Distortion of this natural end for merely pleasurable ends is the primary element of lust or unlawful desire of sexual desires. This disproportionate desire corrupts God’s gift and very easily can become a habitual vice. In most extreme cases, the sins of the flesh turn the other person into a object of pleasure instead of a person who reciprocates love. With these distortions in mind, a Christian Counselor must guide the penitent very carefully through the tricky waters of pleasure and emotion.

Sins of the flesh involve sins of self pleasure, pleasure with others via the conjugal act and distorted and unnatural sins that transgress the natural order of sex. While avoiding a detailed account of the types of these sins, the purpose of this article is to identify the central themes of these sins. First, they are usually completed out of self interest. Second, they usually deny the procreative element of sex. Third, they distort God’s gift of sexuality to man. Fourth, they are void of love and finally they are habitual in nature. This makes counseling this vice very difficult.
When counseling these individuals, one must identify the level of sexual misconduct. Second, one must identify the regularity of the actions and third, one must set up a prayer schedule. Within Protestant and Catholic circles prayer and scriptural references are indeed required as well as fasting and self denial to help train the will in overcoming temptation. Avoidance of occasions of sin and drugs is also important. In Catholic circles, frequent confession and reception of the Eucharist is encouraged as well as a devotion to Mary for purity. In the end, it is true the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. This is so true of the sins of the flesh. A counselor must be patient because one will fall again and again in this battle as one begins their change. Such failures should not be fiercely condemned but analyzed. As long as the person is trying to overcome sins of the flesh, then one should be judged less harshly when occasional falls occur…in fact in some Catholic circles, sins that would be considered mortal can be considered venial during relapse if the penitent is earnestly trying to rid himself of these sins. It is only when the penitent gives up completely that there is absolute danger and lost.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program.
By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Christian Counseling Programs: Counseling Must Teach that the Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Counseling must emphasize the holiness of the body

There has been a over-emphasis on the value of soul when one looks at the essence of human nature in Christian Counseling Programs. Merely because the soul survives the temporal reality and the body dies, people have come to the conclusion that the soul is superior. This is even the case among Christians who are far from Platonic in judgment on the body. Christians have always revered the body as more than a shell but a temple of the Holy Spirit. While this respect has existed it seems in popular thought that it is the soul that ultimately makes us human and hence is superior. The truth is the body plays as an important role as the soul in defining us. It is not only a temple of the Holy Spirit and our soul but is a interwoven element of our 

human nature and without our unique body we would cease to be human or exist at all. It with this in mind why Christ himself promises the resurrection of every human body to be reunited with one’s soul.

One should only teach a philosophy that emphasizes only the most respect for the body. The body while being an integral part of our human nature is a sacramental sign of the soul to the world. With this in mind, our bodies reflect the desires of the soul. Our eyes should only seek beauty and truth, our hands should never commit evil and our tongue should never speak untruth. Instead our bodies should do the work of the Lord in this world. In essence, our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.
In this regard, any sins that harm the body, or stain the purity of the soul through physical actions are strictly forbidden in Christianity. Philosophies that reduce the body to a mere pleasurable object are condemned as well as philosophies that limit the body to only a shell of the soul such as Reincarnation. Also philosophies such as Manichaeism that teach all matter, including the body as evil should be strictly condemned.
Counselors should avoid various extremes. They should avoid extremes that devalue the body such as Reincarnation or Manichiean philosophies and should also avoid idealogies that idolize the body at the expense of eternal salvation.
If you are interested in Christian Counseling Courses, please review the program.
By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C

Christian Counseling Certification Program: 700 Club, Pat Robertson Answers Common Christian Counseling Session Questions

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Certification Program: Pat Robertson answers questions that Christian Counselors deal with in sessions

Pat Robertson answers a few questions that may come up in Christian Counseling sessions.  I especially like his comment about those looking for relationships.  Watch the video below from the 700 Club.
To see the video, click here

I hope you enjoyed the video and the advice offered by Pat.  Christian Counselors can learn alot from him and other Christian leaders.

If you are interested in Christian Counseling Certification Program, please click here.
The program consists of core courses in Christian Counseling.  After completion of these courses, qualified professionals are eligible for certification in Christian counseling.  Renewal of certification is due every three years and requires academic and professional hours.
Thank you for your interest in the program and our blog.

Christian Counseling and Labor Ethics

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling and Labor Ethics

With the recent outcry of union rights versus the state, one may come to many questions regarding Christian ideals and how to counsel confused individuals upon what is right and wrong.  One prominent document that championed the right of the worker but also guided many away from the idealology of socialism was Rerum Novarum.  Pope Leo the XIII wrote this encyclical in a time of public outrage as workers tried to organize against oppressive industrial barrens who exploited the poor.  Yet during this dark era of labor history, the Pope also warned Christians of the dangers of Socialism that attempted to manipulate the worker for its own designs and purposes.  Below is this encyclical.

“That the spirit of revolutionary change, which has long been disturbing the nations of the world, should have passed beyond the sphere of politics and made its influence felt in the cognate sphere of practical economics is not surprising.”

To read the full encyclical, please press the link below.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/leo_xiii/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum_en.html

I feel this encyclical l captures the essence of extreme ideals found both in capitalism and socialism and how ultimately, it is the church, ministries, counselors, and other charitable organizations that must curb the desires of evil philosophies from injuring the rights of the working man.

If you are interested in the Christian Counseling Certification, please click here.

 

Christian Counseling Certification Program: Counseling for True Happiness: A Christian View

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian Counseling Certification Program: False Idols of Christian Happiness to Avoid when Christian Counseling

 Like an illusion in the desert, false notions of happiness pose as an oasis, but in reality are handfuls of dry coarse sand. It is important then to identify a few notions of false happiness and classify them in your  Christian Spiritual counseling sessions. To many times, people are directed towards these ends and never find genuine happiness. 
 The first notion is materialism. Materialism values happiness in finite objects that appeal to the senses. It is limited only to the body and hence fails to satisfy man’s spiritual and emotional needs. In many ways, it is an in-proportionate balance of bodily pleasure over spiritual. Dr Mara, in his classic work, “Christian Happiness”, relates that the primary error in regards to the study of happiness is that the materialist reveres a low “good” as a high “good” and treats that good as an absolute. Slightly related is the worship of knowledge as the highest good. This was seen in many of the Greek philosophers. The reality is knowledge itself is not the good, but the gateway that opens one to discovering the truth that can give happiness. This, while superior to object based materialism, still finds happiness in an intangible object that can give no reciprocity.
 Another false notion is relativism. This “ism” denies an objective absolute truth in regards to anything. In regards to happiness, the relativist nonchalantly remarks, “Whatever makes you happy is then best for you”. While low goods and preferences can be applied to this, the relativist applies all moral actions as equal in regards to happiness. There is no one true objective nature of what true happiness is to the relativist. If N likes this, and R likes this, then who is to say one good is superior to the other. Dr. Mara relates that the error of the relativist is that he elevates everyone’s personal standards to the status of an objective absolute.
 Escapism is another false notion. How can one find happiness in a world of pain and suffering? Some escapists find an outlet from the burrs of the world via drugs and alcohol. Some pursue an addiction to distractive behaviors, whether it is excessive forms of entertainment or seclusion. Some try to forget the worries of the world and divulge themselves into video games or put themselves in a constant state of movement. Others hope to escape by downplaying the evils of the world. They hope to escape the fear or reality of death by downplaying evil or death as a joke. Dr. Mara refers to this as the “Pollyanna” Syndrome; looking at the bright side so much that they become alienated from reality and fail to face their fears. Another form of escapism accepts the evils of the world and finds happiness in negation or neutral consciousness. The reality of evil is so overbearing that everything that soothes the mind from it is an illusion. One can only hope to escape evil and find happiness via nothingness. Cynics find no joy in the world, but only see this overbearing evil. There is no happiness because everything is tainted by death, misery or evil. A stoic accepts this ideal as well but is willing to take the good with the bad but only if the good is taken with a detached prerequisite. In other words, you can touch, you can taste, but do not enjoy or become dependent upon it. This is a strong characteristic of Eastern philosophy where any form of lower “goods” are seen as inconsequential and are illusions to the reality of suffering. Detachment and eventual Nirvana are the true goals of happiness. Schopenhauer, a Western philosopher, completely absorbed these teachings and expressed how happiness is relief from misery and that life is a mistake. The only joy is absence of suffering, hence a neutral consciousness is preferred over any positive stimuli.
 While escapism attempts to retreat from the pains of the world and find happiness in negative states, earthly optimism becomes intoxicated with the other extreme. This erroneous approach to happiness over emphasizes earthly life and while accepting death, devalues its true impact as merely an event in life no different than birth or marriage. An earthly optimist will almost joke about death as the big event or make pithy remarks about the grim ripper. While materialistic to some extent, an earthly optimist wants to experience life to the fullest and accepts all the bumps in the road as what they are. They lack a deeper analysis of spiritual aspect of evil and death. The over optimism distorts the true relevance of suffering and evil. True death and suffering are part of life, but they play a much deeper role that cannot be laughed off or accepted as an event equal to any other event. This philosophy, held by many positivists such as Hume, Dewey, or Russell, leads to a very secular life style of maximizing happiness on this planet and not the next life. The theory of ethics thus becomes confused with the theory of happiness. It no longer becomes what “I ought to do” but what “makes me happy”. I think it is quite obvious that this is not the Christian notion of happiness.
 With these erroneous paths laid, what is the path a Christian Counselor should lay out before a fellow soul that is downtrodden and filled with grief? The Christian path is a realistic path but an optimistic one. It acknowledges the fallen state of the world but finds harmony with it while preparing for the next state of paradise. The Christian as a realist will not seek to escape suffering, nor will he denounce all earthly pleasures, but on the contrary will enjoy the gifts of this world and carry the crosses of this world that are given to him by the Lord. The Christian as an optimist, however, will not live for the goods of this world but see a greater reality that is void of suffering and death but only filled with love and joy. In this optimism, the Christian will seek to put his energy into goods that transcend and escape the decay of this world. The Christian will cultivate goods of virtue, family, friendship, faith and love;   Goods that lead to God and bind us with him and our family forever in paradise. This is the ultimate spiritual banquet, love of neighbor and family, bound with the perfect and reciprocal love of God that is eternal and forever. This is the ultimate happiness—for it is perfect and forever.  
If you are interested in the Christian Counseling Certitication Program, please review it.

By Mark Moran, MA, GC-C, SCC-C