Your Best Psychotherapist (Part 2)

For decades, I have been into the study and practice of psychology and spirituality. I have discovered that each discipline deepens my understanding of the other. Using our best psychological theories today, I believe we can learn how Jesus' brilliant psychological grasp of human nature made Him very effective in reaching out to and getting people well.

As a psychotherapist, I am fascinated with the question of why Jesus' teachings heal. His words had such an impact on people. Entire cultures have been moulded. Countless lives were healed and transformed as a result of His ministry. If we read the whole Gospels, we'd never cease to be amazed at the points of agreement between spiritual and psychological principles that facilitate people's health in Jesus' ministry.

For example, Jesus saw how the mind could be divided against itself. In therapy, it equals the battle of the "unconscious" with the "conscious." Jesus taught sin as cause of broken relationship with God. Contemporary psychology attributes to "rupture of relationships" the breakdown of one's mental and emotional well being. Jesus severely opposed "idolatry;" psychologists call it "addiction."

My study of psychotherapy has allowed me to understand the teachings of Jesus in a profound way. A fresh look at His spiritual teachings led me to discover how He illuminated essential psychological insights and theories that I had not grasped before. Regardless of our religious beliefs, we can all benefit from the timeless wisdom of Christ in the healing of our mind, spirit, and soul.

"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3)

Jesus, our best psychotherapist, "heals the broken in heart." A "broken heart" is a psychologically and emotionally sick heart. Jesus can with a word heal and restore it to its former beauty.