How can I give good counsel to others?

2 Corinthians 1:4He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

You can give good counsel to others by comforting them from your own experience of how God has comforted you in the past.

Galatians 6:1Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.

Be gentle and humble when you are called upon to counsel another. Giving counsel can be difficult because sometimes it involves saying things that will be difficult for others to hear. You must speak the truth without harshness or shaming, as these are unhealthy and rarely effective.

Romans 15:14I am fully convinced, my dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well you can teach each other all about them.

Colossians 3:16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

2 Timothy 2:24-25A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

Since the principles of right and godly living are found in the Bible, you give the best counsel when you use the Bible as a significant part of your advice.

1 Thessalonians 5:14Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

You give good counsel when you address the need of the person; different types of people with different issues need to be dealt with differently. Patiently encourage about the positive steps they can take more than the dwelling on the negative things they’ve done. Encourage those who need it; speak tenderly to others; always be patient.

1 Timothy 5:20Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.

2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Titus 2:15You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.

Hebrews 3:13You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

Sometimes giving godly counsel means speaking difficult but truthful words. Warn those who are in sin of the consequences of their actions. Encourage them toward repentance, to turn toward God and his forgiveness.

Romans 14:19So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Romans 15:2We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 8:1Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

1 Corinthians 14:26Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.

Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Hebrews 10:24Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

To give good counsel to others, aim at encouraging, building them up, and fostering harmony in the church.