Should divorce occur, the church should provide love, understanding, and ____ to those involved.

• A. Guidance
• B. Counseling
• C. Counsel
• D. Support

Answer: (C)

Pastoral care in times of divorce means offering more than sympathy—providing wise, spiritually grounded direction from church leadership. The best fit is counsel, the seasoned advice pastors give to help individuals navigate decisions, align them with Scripture, and plan a faithful path forward. This mirrors the relational role of a bishop: to speak into difficult situations with discernment, not just to offer general support or therapy-like sessions. Guidance is broader and less personal, counseling implies a process or service, and support, while important, emphasizes accompaniment rather than the specific act of providing measured, principled advice.