In this editorial, David Powlison reviews the familial paradigm of 1 Thessalonians and its implications for biblical counseling. He argues that familial counselors share a common Father, from whom they receive the ingredients of their counsel. Counselors need to differentiate the type of care needed by different people. Powlison argues that, much like parenting, the thriving responsive child needs different care than the rebellious child, the fearful child, and the helpless child. Powlison concludes that 1 Thessalonians 5 gives a model we can put to work: nourishing, admonishing, encouraging, helping and being patient with all.
As followers of Jesus, we are given new life. We are transformed by the Spirit, and so is our care for one another—care that is expressed not only by what we say but by how we say it, what we do, and who we are. In counseling, we call this content and method—in biblical terms, speaking truth in love. In Paul’s ministry, we see the outworkings of this new life. He knew people, he knew God, and he knew how to apply that knowledge in his care for others, rooted in Christ’s perfect love. At this year’s National Conference, we will seek to learn from a man whose life and ministry were transformed by the eternal risen Christ. Register today to join us for our 2025 CCEF National Conference: To Live Is Christ: The Life & Ministry of Paul.
