the Role of the Holy Spirit in biblical Counseling

The role of the Holy Spirit in the counseling process is to bring about conviction. The conviction brings out sin, a need for God, and a need for living a God-pleasing life (Jn. 16:18). He allows proclamation of Jesus as Lord. No one can sincerely make this proclamation by any other means (1 Co. 12:3). The Holy Spirit also equips believers with the “fruit of the spirit” such as love, peace and kindness, which are profitable for living a Godly life (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Holy Spirit teaches, guides, and illumines believers. He teaches believers all things and brings them all into remembrance (Jn. 14:26). He also guides believers into truth and declares those things which come from God the Father (Jn. 16:13-14). He both empowers and strengthens believers to carry out God’s teachings and the practice of them. Additionally, a believer can fully do the work of God when they are working under the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). The manifestation of the Holy Spirit may be also witnessed through a diversity of gifts and ministries. For instance, some people may minister through a word of knowledge or wisdom. Yet, other people may minister through gifts of healing or working of miracles (1 Co. 12:7-10). When a person is weak, the Holy Spirit helps them (Rom. 8:26). He sanctifies people. Outside of accepting and proclaiming Christ as Lord and Savior, a person cannot know with certainty if they are chosen to be set apart by God. However, once such a commitment is made with Christ, such an illumination can be received as well as a continual lifetime work of sanctification through the truth that lies in God’s Word (2 Thess. 2:13, Jn. 17:16-17).

Holy Spirit is an effecter. He brings about a result, such as allowing a person to proclaim Jesus as Lord (1 Co. 12:3). He is the seal and guarantee of an inheritance. He is a seal of promise and inheritance of redemption which believers have as God’s children (Eph. 1:13-14; Rom. 8:16). He is a believer’s intercessor. When they are weak or don’t know what they should pray for, He intercedes for them (Rom. 8:26-27). He is a victor over death and flesh. Through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, a person may be renewed (Titus 3:5-6).

In closing, the Holy Spirit holds multiple roles in the counseling process. To the non-believer, He brings about a work of admittance of being a sinner and a transformation for accepting Christ as their Savior. To the believer, He brings about a work of repentance, forgiveness and restoration as well as spiritual development. To the believer who is doing well with God and is ministering to others, He brings forth the equipping and empowerment to do the work of God in proportion to God’s will over their lives.