This is my third and last post in the series of articles about the science of data interpretation. You can find the first two articles below:

• Getting the Facts Right: The First Step in Biblical Change

• The Science of Discernment: 10 Questions for Accurate Data Interpretation

Formulate Tentative Conclusions

The third step of the interpretation process is to formulate tentative conclusions based on the answers the counselor gathered from the counselee by asking relevant questions. This tentative conclusion contains two important pieces of information: identifying the possible causes for the problem and the heart issue.

Dealing with the heart issue, Wayne Mack provides a list of biblical references proving that behavior reveals what’s going on inside the heart of the counselee. Among several passages, I find the Ezekiel and the 1 Corinthian text very insightful. Ezekiel 14:3-5, 7 tells us that even though externally the Israelites professed to be committed to Yahweh, the “idols in their hearts” determined their internal devotion.

In 1 Corinthians 10:6–7, we find the same problem. The reason why the Israelites were immoral and constant complainers was because they were guilty of idolatry.

Test the Validity of the Interpretation

The fourth and final step of the interpretation process is testing the validity of the interpretation. This is a must, for counselors are finite human beings and prone to misinterpret the data without external validation. Wayne Mack provides five additional steps to achieve such validation:

• The importance of reviewing the written notes

• Consider the possibility of alternative interpretation

• Continue to add data

• Discuss your interpretation with other more experienced biblical counselors

• Ask for feedback from the counselee

In reviewing the notes, do it prayerfully and ask yourself if you are not imposing your own interpretation on the data. Considering your own limitation as a counselor, reflect further if there are other ways to interpret the data. By adding more data from the counselee’s journal, the counselor must be willing to revise his initial interpretation. Consulting a biblical counselor with extensive experience, you as a counselor must maintain openness to receive correction, alteration, and revision in your data interpretation. Lastly, after presenting your interpretation and your basis to the counselee, asking feedback from your counselee “would either confirm, invalidate, or provide an alternative to your interpretation” (p. 160).

Data Interpretation is An Art

The last two steps complete the process of data interpretation as a science. Nevertheless, Wayne Mack reminds biblical counselors that data interpretation is also an art. As mentioned in the earlier article, biblical counselors achieve such an ability by constant practice until the skill becomes second nature.

Grace and peace!

Reference:

MacArthur, John. (2005). Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically. Nashville, Tennessee: Nelson Reference & Electronic.