Small Soul

This graphic, titled “The Small Soul,” helps us understand an often overlooked principle in soul care: spiritual capacity varies from person to person. Just as some people are physically stronger or weaker, Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 that some souls are fainthearted (KJV: feebleminded). In this context, fainthearted refers not to weak-willed rebellion, but to individuals who, for various reasons—cognitive, emotional, developmental, or circumstantial—simply do not carry the same capacity for processing, responsibility, or spiritual depth as others.

What Is a Small Soul?

In this visual, we see concentric circles representing different soul sizes:

• Jesus, the perfect man, has an profoundly large soul capacity—always able, always right, always persevering.
• Paul, the apostle, had a large soul—unwavering in trials, theologically rich, sacrificial in ministry.
• Elon (a generic representation) might be a driven, intelligent figure—capable, efficient, high-performing.
• Then we get to Forrest—representing someone who is genuine, teachable, but limited in capacity. Forrest is not rebellious. He is fainthearted— small-souled. He doesn’t need scolding; he needs patience and tenderness.

This isn’t about spiritual superiority. All image-bearers have dignity and worth. This is about recognizing that not every soul can carry the same load. If you don’t understand that, you may place burdens on someone that exceed their ability—crushing rather than helping them.

Counseling Implications

This has massive implications for discipleship, counseling, parenting, and soul care. The principle is wisdom-driven: don’t over-disciple. You may have a heart to help, and you may be offering excellent counsel, but if the person’s capacity can’t bear it, your care becomes cruelty.

You must observe the individual:

• How much truth can they absorb at one time?
• Are they overwhelmed by a 5-minute homework task?
• Can they journal? Or would a verbal debrief be more appropriate?
• Do they get confused by doctrine or encouraged by small wins?

Small soul care requires customization.

Paul gives us a clear command in 1 Thessalonians 5:14: “Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” Not everyone needs a rebuke. Some need a gentle arm around the shoulder and a carefully measured next step.

Case Study: Biff Misjudges Bert

Biff is a biblical counselor meeting with Bert, a quiet, gentle man from his church who struggles with anxiety and discouragement. Biff has been teaching Bert about biblical identity, and during their session, he assigns him a journaling exercise: “Write one page on what it means to be in Christ.”

Next session, Biff asks for the homework. Bert stammers, shrinks back, and mutters something about not getting to it. Biff, frustrated, says, “You need to take this seriously. If you don’t do your part, how can I help you?” Bert nods silently, ashamed and confused.

What Biff doesn’t know is that Bert has a reading disability, struggles to organize his thoughts, and is easily overwhelmed by writing assignments. It’s not that Bert is lazy; he’s fainthearted. He is a small-soul individual. Biff’s rebuke, meant to exhort, actually discouraged further vulnerability.

A Better Approach

A few days later, after prayer and reflection, Biff senses that something deeper may be going on. He approaches Bert gently:

“Bert, I want to revisit our last conversation. I realize I might’ve expected too much with that journaling assignment. I’m sorry if I made you feel small or ashamed. My goal is to serve you, not stress you. Let me ask, what’s a better way for us to reflect on truth together? Would it help if we just talked it through instead?”

This is adjusted soul care—a refusal to force the mold. The goal is not to get someone to “measure up,” but to shepherd them wisely within their current capacity, trusting the Lord to grow them over time.

Final Thoughts

Soul care must always match soul capacity. Not everyone is Paul. Some are Forrest. And that’s okay. Our task is not to enlarge a soul by force, but to walk with it patiently, in the right direction, with the right load, trusting that God gives the growth. Be careful not to under-disciple the capable or over-discipline the fainthearted. Both errors will injure.

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Peace,
Rick