How can Christians do these things?
Have you ever wondered why Christians can struggle with so many emotional, relational and marital problems? Doesn't the Bible, Church and Holy Spirit give Christians all they need for life, godliness, an abundant life and great marriages?
How can Christian singles be scared to death of marriage and struggle so much in relationships?
How can Christian husbands have problems with pornography or anger and stop dating their wives?
How can Christian wives carry years of resentment and unforgiveness to their husbands--along with a cold shoulder--for something that happened years ago?
How can Christians be frozen with fears or in bondage to shame?
How do Christian couples end up in divorce?
As a therapist who counsels Christian clients, and as Christian myself, I often ponder these questions. I've always believed that Christians have a unique advantage in their emotional, relational and marital lives. Yet I often see all of the above problems--and worse. You may recognize some of these problems in your own life.
Why Christians have problems
You are a Christian and...you are also still human. Although you have limitless advantages in your life with God's love and grace, his timeless wisdom from the Bible, and the fellowship of other believers, you also have the disadvantage of being a human with a past. If your childhood included a family life with alcohol, constant conflict, an absent dad or divorced parents, moving around, or a thousand other problems, then you are carrying around some serious emotional and relational handicaps. And you may not even realize it. A counselor that shares your beliefs and values can help you recover from past problems to a promising future. When you consider how much anxiety, fear, anger or pain you carry around--and inflict on others--it's time to be set free.
You were meant to be free
The Bible says that "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free." You're not only free from trying to earn salvation through your own good works, but also freed to love and live as God originally intended for you. Free from past wounds, sins, fears, and shame. If you feel stuck in past problems or unwanted behaviors, it's time to recover and stop beating yourself up. Jesus didn't beat up Peter for betraying him at the worst hour of his life. He can forgive and turn your life around too. Jesus transformed Peter's life from shame and failure to hope, freedom and power. Why can't He do the same for you?
There is a time for everything. Your time is now.
"There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak." (Ec.3:4). If you've been weeping and mourning over losses in your life and relationships, maybe now is your time for a change. Do you need to throw away some bad times in your life? Is it time to speak up after being silent for years? Is it time to mend a relationship or your own broken heart?
Counseling is a place where you will laugh and weep over times past and present. You may face your worst pains in life here. Yet isn't this better than keeping the pain inside yourself for decades? You not only owe it to yourself to be free, but your loved ones deserve it too--especially your spouse and kids. God has a time of laughing and dancing in your future. If your marriage is on the rocks or you are stuck in never-ending relationship or emotional problems, I'd like to help you get free.
I'd like to help you now
My name is Richard Rupp and I am a marriage and family therapist in Pasadena, California. I've counseled Christian singles and couples for over twenty years, including Christian leaders and pastors. I've helped thousands more through my marriage workshops and men's conferences.
Let's get started to change your life by calling me at 626 449-1419. I'd like to hear your story and your needs, as well as answer any questions you may have about counseling. Our phone session is free and there is no obligation to set up an appointment. If you want to take the next step with an appointment, we will set up a time convenient with your schedule.
In His grace and peace,
626-449-1419
595 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 509
Pasadena, CA 91101