Good Book - Counseling Friends in Need - By Harold J. Sala - Review by ERChin

 Some of you may have been following my commentary on the individual chapters of this book.  This is an overall general review.  Know that if you are that layman counselor-friend, what Harold J. Sala has to say will be very helpful.  This is my opinion.

Sala covers issues, ways and means of how to help that friend in need who needs a listening empathetic ear.  Also that someone who is proactive to actually do more than just listen but to enable that friend in need to begin and continue the process towards overcoming their troubles and problems.

One of Sala's major points is to use the Bible in whatever counseling help you give in treating the whole person.  For example, see the titles of some of his chapters.  They are:  Using the Bible to Counsel Relationship Problems; Emotional Problems such as Uncontrollable Anger, Irrational Fears, Pervasive Worry, Emotional Depression; and Using the Bible to Counsel Addictive Behavior such as Alcohol Abuse, Drug Abuse and Sexual Addiction, which include Obsessive Sexual Relations, Promiscuity, Infidelity in Marriage and more.  Using the Bible entails reading it and memorizing key verses so the Holy Spirit can can bring that guidance needed to help bring about necessary changes towards effective overcoming victory in Christ.

I feel that the author Sala has each chapter laid out well and explains everything in 'easy' understandable layman's terms.  At each chapter ending he has a 'homework page' (my term) where he asks "questions for thought and discussion".  I found these very useful to help me summarize and solidify the message I felt he wanted the reader to learn in that particular chapter and be able to make use of, for ones own self first, and then in helping that friend who comes to you sincerely desperate for help.

I found this book very beneficial and helpful and believe it could be of good use to the serious readers who wish to be of effective help to their friends in need.  I do recommend this book to you.  By God's grace we can be helped personally, and be a help to others in their struggles in life and living to please the Lord until He comes.

"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful..."  1 Thessalonians 5:23 & 24a.

Father, You are so great!  Your power is limitless and You have given us Your Holy Spirit empowerment to live that Christian life You desire of us; to be holy as You are holy.  We are so thankful for this help and the help of friends who help us in our life's problems, struggles and temptations. May we be overcomers who reflect You and Your person.  I ask in Jesus' name, amen.

                                                  ~ ERC  April 2025 ~

For further reading you can check out some of my links below which are based on this book.

Less Boom - Counsel Chap 1

The Depression Emotion - (Counseling Chap 8)