Counsel the Doubtful
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become wise. Many are the plans of the human heart, but it is the decision of the Lord that endures” (Proverbs 19:20-21).
Everyone has moments of doubt in their faith journey. To ”Counsel the Doubtful” means to help someone who is uncertain about a decision to reach a conclusion in harmony with his or her ultimate end, which is eternity with God. We are invited to turn to Him along our way. Below are some suggestions to consider:
- Has someone asked you for advice? Orient your response to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
- Follow Christ with the witness of your life so that others may see God's love revealed in your actions.
- Accompany a friend who is struggling with believing to join a parish group for service or faith formation.
- Share a book you found useful in dealing with a friend's faith concern.
- Invite a friend who is having a difficult time to find warmth and welcome at Mass.
- Thank a teacher, a catechist, a coworker, or someone who has helped you learn and grow in some way.
- Gently reach out to someone who is struggling with their faith. Even if you can’t answer all their questions, be a witness of God’s love for them.
Stories of Service from around our Diocese
Young adult missionaries share the ministry of presence - Harvest magazine
Scripture
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
“The way of fools is right in their own eyes, but those who listen to advice are the wise” (Proverbs 12:15)
"Jesus said to [Thomas], 'Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed' (John 20:29)
Bishop Robert Deeley
"We can counsel the doubtful, too, by the witness of our words and our actions and by helping people in need to alleviate stress and feelings of helplessness by turning to the Gospel."
