"Shepherding the Soul" Helping the Wounded Thrive

1. God Breathed into Adam – A Living Soul

Genesis 2:7 (KJV):

“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”

When God breathed into Adam, He didn’t just give life—He imparted personhood. Adam didn’t simply become a body that breathes; he became a living soul—a unique identity with thoughts, feelings, and will, animated by the spirit of God.

The soul is not an accessory. It is the very expression of who we are.

To disregard soul care is to miss the weight of God’s original design for humankind.

2. God’s Desire: A Prosperous Soul

3 John 1:2 (NKJV):

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

This verse clearly links the condition of the soul with overall well-being and success. It is not enough for believers to only focus on outward achievements or even physical health; the soul must thrive for true, holistic prosperity.

3. The Crisis: Broken, Wounded, and Lost Souls

Many in the Church and the world are:

•        Saved in spirit but tormented in soul
•        Emotionally numb, anxious, depressed, bitter, or confused
•        Surviving but not thriving

Jesus addressed this in Luke 4:18:

“He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted…”

Psalm 23:3:

“He restores my soul.”

We cannot neglect that much of Jesus’ ministry was soul ministry: healing hearts, confronting lies, releasing guilt, and restoring dignity.

4. Are Church Leaders Teaching Enough on Soul Care?

Some are—but often, the Church prioritizes the spirit (salvation) and body (behaviour) and misses the soul (inner life).

Many people are:

•       Taught to pray but not how to process pain
•       Told to forgive but not how to walk through grief
•        Encouraged to obey but not how to heal emotionally

We must bring biblical language and spiritual authority back into soul restoration.

5. How Do We Help Souls Thrive Using Scripture?

a. Teach the Word as Medicine

Psalm 19:7 (NIV): 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.”

Use Scripture not just for doctrine, but for healing, renewing, and rebuilding identity.

b. Encourage Honest Lament & Emotional Expression

David modelled this in Psalms:

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?” (Psalm 42:11)

Allow people to bring pain to God—not suppress it.

c. Renew the Mind

Romans 12:2: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Teach practical ways to replace lies with truth—this is soul healing in action.

d. Restore Community and Safe Space

God uses people to heal people. The early Church “confessed sins” and “carried burdens” (James 5:16, Gal. 6:2). Create safe, Spirit-led spaces where people don’t feel ashamed of their pain.

e. Lead People into Identity in Christ

Much of soul damage is rooted in lies about identity. Declare over people who they are in Christ:

•        Loved (Romans 8:38-39)
•        Chosen (1 Peter 2:9)
•        Whole (Isaiah 53:5)
•       Forgiven (1 John 1:9)

f. Point to the Holy Spirit as Soul Comforter

John 14:26: “The Comforter… shall teach you all things.”

The Spirit doesn’t only teach theology—He restores broken hearts.

Summary Truths to Share with Others

• You are a soul, not just have one.
• Your soul matters to God. He wants it healed.
• Scripture is not just for salvation—it’s also for restoration.
• The Church must be a hospital for the soul, not just a university for doctrine.

Closing Prayer

Lord, give us eyes to see the broken souls around us. Teach us to minister like You did—to the whole person. Help us make space in our churches and hearts for the weary, wounded, and wandering. Let Your Word be a balm to those who are hurting. Show us how to teach, counsel, and lead with grace and truth so that every soul may prosper. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

P. 💖