After the Fact: How to Help A Hurting Person with Dale Johnson
Apr 1, 2025
auto_awesome
Delve into the art of supporting those in pain with expert insights on how to approach hurting individuals. Discover the importance of understanding their unique circumstances and the biblical principles that guide effective caregiving. Explore common pitfalls well-intended helpers face, particularly the dangers of prioritizing emotions over scriptural truth. This conversation emphasizes the transformative power of biblical care and the essential role it plays in providing genuine comfort and support.
Understanding the reasons behind a person's pain is essential for providing tailored support, whether stemming from personal sin or external circumstances.
A common struggle in caring for the hurting is prioritizing emotions over biblical insights, which can lead to confusion and ineffective support.
Deep dives
Understanding and Assisting the Hurting
Helping a hurting person requires an understanding of the specific reasons behind their pain. The biblical approach differentiates between suffering due to personal sin and suffering caused by external circumstances, leading to tailored responses. For instance, when someone faces consequences from their own actions, guidance may involve encouraging repentance and spiritual growth. Conversely, when pain is inflicted by outside factors such as trauma or loss, offering comfort rooted in the truths of Scripture can provide stability and hope.
Common Pitfalls in Providing Care
One significant challenge in supporting those who are hurting is the tendency to prioritize emotional experiences over understanding the biblical context of their pain. Many individuals may misunderstand their emotions as the core of their identity, overlooking them as symptoms that require proper interpretation. Additionally, relying on secular explanations for emotional struggles can lead to confusion and ineffective assistance. Rooting individuals in Scripture offers a more accurate comprehension of their experiences and encourages them to navigate challenges through a faith-based lens.
Kyle Worley is joined by Dale Johnson to answer the question, “How do I help a hurting person?”
Questions Covered in This Episode:
How do I help a hurting person?
What's the single greatest struggle you see well-intended Christians face when attempting to care for a hurting person?
Guest Bio:
T. Dale Johnson, Jr., is the Director of Counseling Programs and Professor of Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Johnson also serves as the Executive Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. He is the host of ACBC’s “Truth in Love” podcast. He is the author of The Professionalization of Pastoral Care in America, The Church as a Culture of Care, and Free to Be the Church: Biblical Counseling and Legal Issues. He is husband to Summer, and they live together in Kansas City, Missouri, with their six children.
Midwestern Seminary is excited to announce FTC Talks, exclusive conversations with MBTS faculty about ministry related topics. Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks today at mbts.edu/ftctalks to reserve your spot. Join us for talks about women's discipleship, God's heart for the nations, gospel-driven ministry, Spurgeon's pastoral ministry, and how every Christian is a counselor. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. Sign up today at mbts.edu/ftctalks.