The Why & The What: Caring Well For Our Brothers & Sisters

When hurting people seek counsel, the first question they usually ask is why. Why did this happen? Why did my loved one leave? Why did this person hurt me? And the biggest "Why" is: why did God allow this pain?

Knowing the "why,” which ultimately traces back to the brokenness of our world and our sin nature, might offer context, but it doesn't offer a cure.

While we naturally crave the why, it is the what that actually leads to healing and moving forward. What direction should I take?  What is the best answer to my issue or dilemma? Yet the best questions are “What has God done, and what is He doing now?

The answer to both questions is that He sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself. So, what are we to do now as believers with this information?

Colossians 1:28–29 (ESV) Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Paul answers this in Colossians 1:28-29, giving us a clear guide to how believers should care for one another. This is not just the job of pastors. Every mature Christian is called to care for others in the church, and those who are still growing should work toward maturity in Christ.

First, we are to proclaim Christ! True comfort doesn't come from just diagnosing a problem; it comes from pointing to the solution. We are called to proclaim Jesus in all we do, and not just to unbelievers, but to ourselves daily. Whether someone in the Body is battling depression, addiction, or deep grief, it is the love and presence of Christ demonstrated through our own actions that brings hope and healing to the sufferer. That might sound a bit like a religious cliché, but our proclamation of Christ is to be a demonstrable love to the hurting.

Second, Biblical soul care requires aid for the whole Body of Christ. No one is immune to suffering or trials, not even the Christian. Paul’s vision of care extends to all believers in every congregation. For this care to take place, each believer is called to continually grow in God's Word so that we can effectively apply it to our lives and share it in building up our brothers and sisters. Note the Apostle's statement to the churches in Galatia:

Galatians 6:1–2 (ESV) Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

When Paul says “restore,” he is talking about fixing something broken, like setting a bone or repairing a fishing net. This work is best done by someone who is mature in faith and has some experience. That’s why Paul tells us to warn and teach each other with wisdom. We should also share our life experiences, using Scripture as our guide, to help others. Your story, with all its ups and downs, is not for your own praise, but to honor Christ. By sharing it, you can encourage other believers who are facing similar struggles.

Third, we are to rely on Christ’s Strength and not our own. Some will say, yes, I know, that’s not news to me. My question is then why don’t we practice what we preach?

Helping others with their burdens can seem like too much, but Paul reminds us that we work with Christ’s power, not just our own. You don’t have to fix anyone’s problems, and honestly, you can’t. Our job is to be present, to listen, and to serve with compassion, trusting Christ to do the real work. We trust Him to bring the right people and resources for the best help, the most growth, and for His glory.

No matter if the need is spiritual, emotional, mental, or physical, the best we can do is help others handle what they are facing right now. You don’t need to have all the answers; often, it’s better to just listen and be there. Show love and care to your hurting brothers and sisters in Christ, and yes, also to those who do not yet know Him.

How might you use your own giftings and story to begin ministering to a brother or sister in need this week?

A Last Word and Plea
Christ-Centered Solutions wants to partner with you. The need for biblical counseling is growing fast. In the past year, our counseling sessions increased by almost 36%. To keep help available, we partner with churches and individual Christians to cover ministry costs. We also use a donation system, like a sliding scale, for those we serve each week. During the first seven months of 2026, we have provided $26,417 in subsidized care, which is two out of every three dollars. Right now, we are about $10,000 short of our budget and truly need your support. Your help at this time is essential to the ministry and mission of Christ-Centered Solutions.

Please think about these three ways to help: 1) Give to CCS if you haven’t before or if it’s been a while. We are also asking churches to set aside one Sunday in October (Biblical Soul Care Month) to request a special offering for CCS. 2) Become a monthly supporter, both financially and through prayer. 3) Invite me or Valerie Owen, our Co-director of Biblical Counseling, to your church or group to share about Christ-Centered Solutions. Any of these would be a real blessing to us and those we serve.

Please use this link to our giving page to make a one-time gift or become a monthly supporter.

In Christ,
Dr. Rod West
Founder & Director, Christ-Centered Solutions Inc.
rwest@christcenteredsolutions.org