To Counsel the Doubtful is a spiritual work of mercy which is much needed in our time. It is a beautiful and powerful service toward others that also strengthens us. When we give prayerful advice to others that advances them towards knowing, loving, and serving God in this life and reaching their eternal home with Him in heaven in the next we come to realize just what an important and powerful work it is.
In our time of moral confusion where many believe right to be wrong, wrong to be right, or are completely indifferent altogether, providing moral advice to others is paramount. In our society, understanding of sexuality has been so warped through easy access to contraceptives that many no longer view sex as a gift from God to express the love between a man and woman that results in new life. Others no longer recognize distinct masculine and feminine dignity as complementary of one another. Some no longer believe that God gave us a moral standard to lead us to happiness, but believe that right and wrong come down to personal opinion as long as the views held do not challenge or offend others. Simply put, there are many lost and confused souls who require well discerned advice to best orient their lives toward God.
How then are we as Catholics called to live out this beautiful work of mercy? There is an old adage that ‘one cannot give what one does not possess.’ To provide sound spiritual counsel requires one to have a strong relationship with the Trinity fueled by a deep and profound spiritual life. If we do not possess the wisdom that is only attainable through a life of prayer, we will not be able to give that same counsel to others. We have to understand the tenets of our own faith before instructing others. As Christians seeking to bring others closer to Christ through sound advice, we must constantly be striving to enliven our relationship with God through the Sacraments, prayer, and learning more about our faith.
In giving spiritual advice to others we are truly fulfilling an act of mercy. We are helping others in doubt to see their state of affairs clearly so as to assist them to choose the most expedient path that leads to happiness and fulfillment in both this life and the next. This is not an act of pride or a moment of superiority. It is a chance to reflect on how lost we ourselves would be without God’s guidance and an opportunity to share the gift of God’s mercy.
When we reflect on those people in our own lives who have helped us become closer to God, we realize how necessary others were in our spiritual journey. In the same way, God invites us to participate in His goodness by allowing us a role in ushering others toward salvation. He is a truly merciful and loving God that he allows us to share in His own Goodness and Mercy.
May we always be receptive of the grace God gives us so that we may share what we have received and impart this counsel to the doubtful.