Author: Dave Bovenmyer

What is counseling? For the purpose of this summary, I am considering counseling a subset of shepherding. The Greek word translated “pastor” (ποιμήν) is the common word for “shepherd.” Pastors are to “shepherd” the people of God in the same way that shepherds care for their flocks. I’m regarding “counseling” as the more individually-oriented aspects…

To esteem means regard with respect, prize. One of its synonyms is “value.” When thinking about esteem, we should ask ourselves the questions, “Prized, esteemed, valued by whom?” Although we can lose our sense of value and esteem in our own eyes, my experience is that we don’t usually have a problem with this. We…

If you love someone, do you want them to take care of themselves? Of course you do. Every parent does. God is our Father, loves us, and wants us to care for ourselves. Part of God’s grief when we sin is that we destroy ourselves and keep ourselves from blessing. All of God’s commands are…