Editor’s Word: Our July 2025 mini-series on the BCC Grace and Reality weblog is designed so as to add some sources to your counselor’s toolbox. On this ultimate article, Garrett Higbee shares in regards to the Fruit to Root Diagnostic instrument to uncover not simply what is occurring in an individual however why it’s occurring. In different contributions to the collection, Rush Witt presents a plan to assist counselees disconnect from their smartphones Lucy Ann Moll supplies a case research and homework project for serving to the OCD struggler reply within the second, and Jim Newheiser presents 5 options for serving to the counselor enhance their data of Scripture to have the ability to use it spontaneously in a counseling scenario.
In biblical counseling, when somebody is available in with plenty of situational stress, it’s simple to get caught treating floor signs—viewing what we see, hear, and even what the counselee believes as the primary challenge. Some name this the presenting drawback. It’s not that it doesn’t matter, it’s that it’s by no means the foundation challenge. The smart counselor will get behind the fruit and attracts out the center (Prov. 20:5). Identical to pruning a tree gained’t treatment root rot, modifying habits gained’t result in lasting coronary heart change. That’s why I’ve used and skilled others to use a instrument we known as the Fruit to Root Diagnostic.[1] It’s a easy but profound biblical framework that helps uncover not simply what’s occurring in an individual, however why it’s occurring, so we will convey lasting transformation by the gospel. You will have seen one thing prefer it, however I feel this simplified model will also be utilized by caregivers resembling small group leaders and mentors.
A Superior Diagnostic Instrument
The Fruit to Root diagram isn’t only a intelligent metaphor. It’s rooted (pun meant) in biblical knowledge. Jesus mentioned, “Each good tree bears good fruit, however the dangerous tree bears dangerous fruit” (Matt. 7:17). Within the counseling context, the “fruit” is what we see—behaviors, feelings, or habits. However these fruits develop from roots: what we wish, need, or idolize in our hearts. In the midst of the tree is what we predict and really feel. Most counseling solely offers with the fruit, or the ideas and emotions which are related to it. Actually, early in my profession as a psychologist, I used to be simply rearranging fruit for probably the most half. As soon as saved, I noticed that this was “therapeutic folks frivolously” (Jer. 6:14). This instrument helps us to go deeper. It connects fruit (habits) to trunk (ideas and emotions), and eventually to what drives them each, the foundation (needs and motives).
Right here’s the great thing about the mannequin: it takes us past sin administration into true remodeling discipleship (Rom. 12:1-2). It helps folks see their lives by a theological lens—not as victims of circumstance, however as worshipers whose hearts are at all times responding to one thing or somebody (Matt. 6:21).
The 4 Coronary heart Themes: Mapping the Inside Man Wrestle
In our method, we regularly use 4 diagnostic classes to assist information this course of:
The Fearful Coronary heart, Silly Coronary heart, Despairing Coronary heart, and Indignant Coronary heart. These should not static labels, however patterns that assist us discern how an individual is functioning beneath the floor.
- Fearful Coronary heart – dominated by anxiousness, fear, people-pleasing; the individual could really feel uncovered, unsafe, and see God as precarious or unloving. Take into account the Psalms, Matthew 6, Philippians 4, and plenty of different Scriptures that talk to concern and the concern of man.
- Silly Coronary heart – lacks discernment or self-discipline; tends to reduce sin or its penalties, usually overly self-confident or naive. Sees God as irrelevant or an excessively strict decide. Take into account the Proverbs, Galatians 5, and plenty of different Scriptures that discuss no less than 5 forms of foolishness and the way to reply to every.
- Despairing Coronary heart – usually marked by deep ache, betrayal, or trauma; this individual usually struggles to belief that God is nice or that He cares. Sees Him as distant and withholding. Take into account the Psalms as a method to result in lament, the ebook of two Corinthians, and provides hope by pointing to lots of the Bible characters who struggled with despair.
- Indignant Coronary heart – resisting God’s authority or His methods; usually rooted in satisfaction, entitlement, or bitterness. Sees God as unjust or too sluggish in performing on their behalf. Take into account Proverbs, Ephesians 4, Colossians 3, and James 1 as you discern what’s sinful anger and tips on how to repent and overcome it.
In a counseling context, figuring out which coronary heart dynamic is most energetic helps goal our care. For instance, an individual battling habit could also be performing from a despairing coronary heart (in search of to numb ache) or an indignant coronary heart (resisting God’s name to give up). The outward habits appears the identical, however the path to therapeutic is radically completely different.
A Collaborative Course of: Counselor, Counselee, and Advocate
Fruit to Root shouldn’t be a instrument for use on somebody, however with them. It requires collaborative exploration (Prov. 11:14). That’s why I usually encourage counseling in triads: counselor, counselee, and an advocate or mentor. Collectively, they prayerfully study the fruit, the trunk, and discover the foundation, at all times in gentle of Scripture and the gospel.
This slows the method down in a great way. Slightly than assuming motives, we ask questions like:
- “What was the scenario, and what did you do?”
- “What had been you hoping for whenever you did that?”
- “What had been you considering and feeling?”
- “What did you need, and the way badly did you need it?”
- “What did you consider about God in that second?”
- “What would have been completely different in case your purpose was to please God?”
As patterns emerge, we start to establish the center dynamics at play after which apply reality in a customized, pastoral means.
How This Cautious Diagnostic Shapes the Counseling Journey
As soon as we perceive the foundation, counseling turns into way more strategic and centered. What could have been conforming counsel can now be life-transforming.
Right here’s how:
- It informs homework: As a substitute of generic verses or assignments, you may give heart-specific Scripture meditations, journaling prompts focusing on probably the most energetic coronary heart challenge, or relational challenges that push for a extra vertical mindset (Ps. 19:14).
- It deepens repentance: The counselee begins to see not simply what they’ve achieved, however why they turned away from God, and tips on how to flip again (James 4:1-12).
- It redirects sanctification: Development turns into about treasuring Christ extra, not making an attempt more durable. Their “root system” begins to alter by reality and beauty (1 Cor. 6:11).
- It empowers advocates: When an advocate understands the center themes, they’ll stroll extra carefully and prayerfully with the counselee all through the week (Prv 17:17).
The Objective: Rooted in Christ
Ultimately, Fruit to Root is a gospel-centered instrument as a result of it leads folks to see Christ because the treatment for each coronary heart challenge (Col. 2:7; Eph. 3:17).
- The fearful coronary heart finds relaxation in God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.
- The silly coronary heart grows smart in God’s Phrase and His satisfaction.
- The despairing coronary heart is comforted in God’s hope and compassion.
- The indignant coronary heart bows to God’s authority and ideal timing.
The purpose isn’t simply modified habits—it’s a modified coronary heart, rooted in Christ. Self-talk turns into extra biblical, and because the roots go deep, the fruit of the Spirit begins to flourish in each space of life (Gal. 5:22-23).
Sensible Subsequent Step
In case you’re a pastor, counselor, or disciple maker, strive implementing this diagnostic in your ministry. Sketch a tree on a whiteboard.[2] Draw blanks to the aspect on the prime, within the center, and on the backside. Stroll somebody by it over espresso. Practice advocates to make use of it in follow-up care. You’ll start to see breakthroughs—not simply because persons are making an attempt more durable, however as a result of they’re attending to the foundation.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you utilize an analogous diagnostic instrument in counseling? How is this beneficial to get to the foundation of the problem?
- How can this instrument make it easier to keep away from presumption or poor evaluation?
- Do you suppose you possibly can train this to small group and ministry leaders as a means for them to focus on the center of their discipleship and care?
[1] Reworked Sources has many instruments that may be accessed at soulcareconsulting.org.
[2] You could find a printable model of the diagram at soulcareconsulting.org.
