One of the best ways we can grow in understanding our reactions is to study them. In these couple of pages from Rich Villodas’ book, we get a glimpse of what it might look like to engage with uncomfortable feelings as a way to deepen our understanding of ourselves and grow into a place of freedom.

“The world is in desperate need of people willing to examine their own selves before examining others. The work of ‘other-examination’ comes all too naturally. We are accustomed to viewing, judging, and comparing others rather than ourselves. That’s easy. The way of self-examination is hard. But by God’s grace, the Spirit can help us.”

Using the questions outlined in this portion of Rich’s book, counselees can learn to identify the false stories they are telling themselves and how to turn toward the truth of the Spirit.