Caring for Souls: Listening, Loving, and Leading with Gospel Truth

Last November 15, our instructor in Research in Theology gave us an assignment to write a one-page article about our research topic in simple terms. It's like a synopsis. I completed the task three days ago, and I decided to publish it here on my blog today.

In this article, I emphasized the Christian call to care for souls by offering compassionate listening and biblical counsel and pointing others to the ultimate hope and healing found in Jesus. Here is the outcome of my task:

You receive a confession—not the kind you would typically expect, but rather a vulnerable moment where a friend opens up and shares their painful experience. Quite shocking, you uttered in your mind. And before you can collect your thoughts, you are met with a gaze of quiet resignation, waiting for a genuine reply. Moments like these help us realize our inability to provide an adequate answer. Sooner or later, we need to break the silence—but perhaps it is best not to add the deafening quiet.

We may have been in situations like these, and the answers—or the responses—we give are like an oasis in the desert for people in desperate need. This is one of our tasks as Christians: to care for souls. Yet we do not claim to be the source of that hope. We are merely channels, lesser bodies of water that point to a never-ending spring in which no men would ever thirst (John 4:13–14). And if we believe such a fountain exists, should we not act accordingly and tell everyone how great it would be to drink from it? But shouldn’t we first address why we are so thirsty in the first place—why are we suffering?

The Bible reveals that the core issue of human suffering is spiritual in nature—a matter that philosophy and religion are uniquely equipped to address. Whether the suffering is physical, emotional, or mental, it stems from the inherent weakness of man—sin. That is too simplistic! I hear someone attest. But the Bible is made simple and straightforward in its truth. You lack compassion! Or so they say. Indeed, it is the most compassionate act to point a suffering individual to the authentic solution they seek. To offer anything less and to assume another form is to deny them the fullness of healing that only the gospel provides.

My friends, this is a simple reminder to look at Jesus as our source that provides all kinds of help in all aspects of our being. It is undeniable that interpreting human experiences in their various intensities is challenging, for we are subject to grief, sadness, longing, and hopelessness. However, all of these make the call—to care for souls—even more urgent in a world stricken by the mind’s brokenness. And to address this issue, we need to counsel biblically. And the Bible tells us that Scripture is thoroughly practical to equip the servant of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). In addition, we should also confess our sins to one another (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). God’s grace also works in our relationships, bringing healing and restoration. We tell them the truth, and we repeat that same truth. And we continue to care for their souls in compassion, forbearance, love, and correction.

Therefore, let us knock on the doors of our loved ones, whether they are family members, friends, churchmates, classmates, or old acquaintances. Do not grapple alone; instead, maintain communion with one another, for we are one in Christ. Listen in compassion, speak with wisdom, and love with the love of Christ.

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