The Heart Mender's Handbook: Common Problems Hardcover

“Common Problems” of “The Heart Mender's Handbook" is one volume of a comprehensive two volume guide designed to empower individuals with practical, Biblical solutions for addressing life's challenges. Understanding the complexities of human struggles and the earnest desire among many to offer meaningful support, this volume, and its companion volume “Methods”, are structured to equip readers with practical strategies rooted in Biblical wisdom.
This volume begins by establishing a foundation from which we can understand the design God used in creating people, why that design got changed and how that impacts people’s behavior and responses to life.
Next, there are topics focusing on providing practical Biblical help for those problems and behaviors. While recognizing the fact that analysis of these problems is important, our primary aim is to move beyond diagnosis to providing hands-on help. This volume zeroes in on three critical areas: practical approaches for helpers, specific truths and Biblical logic for those struggling, and guidance on navigating responses from those we aim to assist. From disorders of worship, which stem from idolatrous roots, to challenges arising from the sins of others, each topic is treated with sensitivity and depth, acknowledging the varied impacts on the heart, body, and relationships.
Finally, we conclude the volume with a discussion of the various worldviews that are involved in understanding human behavior, providing the helper with an overview of why there are different counseling approaches, the differences between them and the importance of choosing one with a Biblical foundation.
We approach these subjects with the understanding that Biblical Counseling's goal is to lead individuals towards identifying and repenting of false gods and idols, thereby restoring a strong relationship with Christ as the ultimate path to spiritual health. This process, we believe, can significantly reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with those idols, taking into account the unique ways these issues affect individuals and their loved ones.
The format of this work is designed to be as accessible and practical as possible to provide direction for Biblically helping people. Our aim is to provide concise, practical advice that can be immediately applied, avoiding the complexities of theory in favor of direct, practical guidance. This approach helps those new to Biblical counseling to make use of valuable insights and tools for immediate application.
To enhance the utility of this handbook, we have tried to provide resources that are not only helpful in the moment but also serve as a long-term reference for both the reader and those they may help in the future.
The companion volume, “Methods” builds upon this foundation by reaching into various Biblical methods of interaction, exploring in-depth the techniques of effective communication, including asking insightful questions and assigning meaningful homework. This progression underscores our commitment to not only addressing immediate problems but also to equipping you with a deeper understanding and skillset in Biblical discipleship.