Eva Yang

A Reflection on the Application of Cognition in the Mind Circle within the Christian Wholeness Framework

By GeokCheng TAN

The Christian Wholeness Framework (CWF) by Dr. John Warlow is a deeply integrated model of how God relates to us and how we, in turn, can relate to ourselves, others, and God. Within the Mind Circle, the focus on cognition—our thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs—invites a journey of transformation through the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). While the CWF provides a clear structure, it is in the lived experience of reflection and application that its truth comes alive.

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The Gift of Thought

In the CWF, the Mind Circle represents the realm of thinking, perceiving, remembering, and interpreting. It sits alongside the Heart (emotions and relationships) and the Will (decisions and actions). Yet, in my experience, cognition often acts as a quiet driver beneath both feeling and behavior. What I think about God, myself, and others profoundly influences how I feel and act.

In my recollection, there are moments in the past when my thoughts spiral into self-doubt or judgment, and I realize how easily the “old patterns” of thinking (Ephesians 4:22–23) can shape my reality. At such times, the Spirit gently invites me to notice my inner dialogue: What am I believing right now? Is it aligned with truth or colored by fear?

Reflection within the Mind Circle helps me to pause and realign my cognition with God’s truth rather than my distorted perceptions or beliefs.

Cognition, then, is not just an intellectual exercise—it is a spiritual act of turning toward truth. To think rightly is to participate in God’s renewing work, allowing His Word to reshape what I assume, value, and focus on.

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The Transformation of Perspective – Seeing as God Sees

I often recall Jesus’ words in John 8:32: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” True freedom begins with right seeing—seeing as God sees. In counselling, many struggles trace back to distorted cognition that is expressed as feelings of unworthiness, false guilt, rigid perfectionism, or hopelessness. These thoughts, when unexamined, become strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

We can help a person explore their Mind Circle by gently uncovering these thought patterns—not to shame or correct, but to bring them into light and truth. It means creating a safe space for awareness—“What is the story you are telling yourself?”—and inviting the person to consider God’s story instead.

I have found this especially powerful in my own walk. When I perceive God as distant or disappointed, my emotions follow that narrative with heaviness. But when I pause to remember who He is—compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (Psalm 103:8)—my thoughts soften, peace follows, and faith rests on who God is and not what I think. Thus, cognition becomes a bridge toward intimacy, helping me to experience the truth of God’s character personally, not just intellectually.

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Inner Dialogue

Cognition operates not only in reasoning but also in the quiet, constant self-talk that fills our minds. Hence, learning to have self-awareness of this internal conversation—how we interpret events and speak to ourselves—is essential.

For me, reflection often begins by naming the voice within: Is this the voice of the Shepherd or of the accuser? Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27). Yet, I often notice a harsh, critical tone that is not His. When I listen to that voice, it shapes my emotions and my sense of identity. The process of renewal begins when I identify these cognitive distortions and allow the truth of Scripture to reframe them.

For example, in moments of inadequacy, the Spirit reminds me: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Holding this truth in my mind allows space for humility and rest. Cognition thus becomes an avenue for grace—choosing to think in alignment with God’s promises rather than my insecurities.

In counselling, this same awareness becomes a tool of empathy. When I notice how a person describes themselves or their situation, I listen for the underlying beliefs and perspectives. Cognitive awareness is not about correcting thoughts with logic but guiding the person to encounter truth in relationship—with God, with themselves, and with me as a compassionate presence.

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Cognition, Emotion, and Will

In real life, thoughts never operate in isolation. The Mind Circle connects intimately with the Heart and the Will. For example, when I believe “I am not good enough,” that thought feeds feelings of shame (Heart) and may lead me to withdraw or overcompensate (Will).

Reflecting on cognition reminds me to slow down and trace these inner movements: What am I thinking? How does that make me feel? What does it lead me to do? This simple awareness allows space for transformation.

As I have journeyed with others, I notice that healing often begins not by addressing behavior directly but by exploring the thoughts beneath it. A person struggling with anger may discover underlying thoughts of fear or injustice. Someone facing despair may realize they believe “nothing will ever change.” In each case, truth gently spoken and held in love opens the way for new choices and emotions.

This integrative view is deeply biblical. Jesus consistently engaged people at the level of their thinking and belief: “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51), “Why are you afraid?” (Matthew 8:26), “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28). His questions invited reflection and realignment of cognition toward faith and trust. Applying this in counselling means following His example—helping others move from distorted perception to renewed understanding in relationship with Him.

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Renewing Our Cognition

The application of cognition in the Mind Circle extends beyond counselling sessions into daily discipleship. Romans 12:2 calls believers to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” This is an ongoing process—daily choosing to let God reshape how I think, interpret, and remember.

Practically, I exercise the 3As, which I have found helpful:

1. Awareness: Paying attention to what occupies my mind. When I feel anxious or heavy, I ask, What thought is driving this feeling? Awareness is the first step to change.
2. Alignment: Bringing those thoughts before God in prayer. I often write them down and place them against Scripture: Is this true? Is this loving? Is this of God?
3. Abiding: Replacing falsehood with truth through meditation on Scripture. Philippians 4:8 provides a compass—“Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable… think about these things.”

When I practice the 3As, I find that cognition becomes not merely a mental process but a form of worship—offering my thought life to God as part of loving Him with all my mind (Luke 10:27).

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Renewing the Mind

While the theory of cognition may sound straightforward, its application is rarely easy. My own experience shows how stubborn old thought patterns can be—especially those rooted in early wounds or repeated narratives. There are times when I intellectually know God’s truth yet emotionally struggle to believe it.

Nonetheless, we must remind ourselves that transformation is relational, not mechanical. I do not change my thinking alone but in communion with Christ and others. When I share my struggles with trusted companions, they become mirrors of truth to me. Their presence helps me internalize God’s reality more deeply.

This humility—to admit my limited perspective and to seek truth in community—is itself part of renewing the mind. It reminds me that cognition is not about being “right” but about becoming more real before God.

Over time, I have noticed subtle shifts. I no longer rush to judge myself or others as quickly. When negative thoughts arise, I pause to ask, Is there another way to see this? This openness creates space for compassion and wisdom.

In ministry, a renewed mind helps me listen with discernment rather than reaction. When someone speaks in pain, I notice not only their words but also the underlying belief shaping their experience. I can then pray silently, “Lord, how do You see this person?” Allowing God’s perspective to inform my cognition changes how I respond—it softens, slows, and steadies me.

Ultimately, applying cognition in the Mind Circle is about participating in God’s restorative work. It is the movement from self-centered interpretation to God-centered perception. It is learning to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5), not through striving but through surrender.

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The Mind Anchored in Christ

Reflecting on the application of cognition in the Mind Circle has deepened my appreciation for how tenderly God engages the human mind. He does not demand instant clarity but invites continual renewal. As I allow Him to reshape my thinking, I find greater peace, purpose, and presence.

In counselling and discipleship, this awareness helps me walk alongside others with gentleness, knowing that thought renewal is a process woven through relationship. We are all learning to see through God’s eyes, to interpret life through His truth, and to live from a mind anchored in Christ. Philippians 2:5 reminds us, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” That is the ultimate goal of the Mind Circle—to think, perceive, and understand as Jesus does. As I continue this journey, I hold onto the promise that “the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). In that peace, both counsellor and counsellee can rest—renewed, restored, and made whole in Him.

Are Thoughts Worthless?

By Sally Ladignon

Thought, as one of the sector in the mind circle, is considered as a mental event of information fed externally and processed internally in the  form of, but not limited to, ideas, impressions, memories, predicaments or prospects. Fundamental to thought is its content with social, physical, mind, heart and spirit features. It maybe life-giving or life draining when information are processed with or without partiality.

Psalm 94:11 says, “The Lord knows people’s thoughts; he knows they are worthless.”  I wonder if the thoughts in said verse to be worthless or futile refer to any unhealthy thought, lies or wrong (ungodly) beliefs about self, others and God. Lies that do not agree with God, His Word, His nature, His character and man as His created being. Recognizing and identifying healthy and unhealthy thoughts are necessary in holding every thought captive in order to face and challenge its truthfulness based on God’s Word and eventually replacing them with Godly beliefs. Everyone, to some extent, may have live a life, out of long-held wrong beliefs which continue to influence a person relative to his/her perceptions, decisions, and actions which may lead to unavoidable sufferings to all his/her circles, to an extent.

Wrong or ungodly beliefs are rooted in (1) life hurting experiences, and (2) self-centeredness of mankind.  Our experience of hurts over our life time strengthened and intensified our negative beliefs about ourselves, others and God. It can be traced from childhood injuries, unprocessed trauma (past and on-going), and unpleasant experiences leaving a very strong imprint on us. Negative beliefs have a large number of possible themes about self, others and God. Unknowingly, these give the legal grounds for demonic oppressions.

Adverse childhood experiences and adverse community environments are serious shapers of negative beliefs where a child might conclude, in his/her young mind, some of the following negative beliefs about him/herself, others, and God. The examples of these beliefs are sourced from the Restoring the Foundations (RTF) ministry list:

SELF

• I should have not been born. My life is a mistake.
• My feelings don’t matter. No one cares what I feel.
• I am not worthy to receive anything from God.

OTHERS

• Authority figures will humiliate me and violate me.
• My value is based totally on others’ judgment/perception about me.
• I am out there alone. If I get into trouble or need help, there is no one to rescue me.

GOD

• God loves other people more than He loves me.
• I cannot trust God or feel secure with Him.
• God only values me for what I do. My life is just a means to an end.

If the above list of lies were laid during childhood and became the foundation of belief patterns while growing up, life will also be built upon such foundation of lies.

Various relationships we have in our social circle may continually hurt us by offensive statements repeated insensitively which undermine self-worth and identity, including disrespect of choices. Name calling or swearing, blaming, guilt-tripping, jeering, false accusation are just some heartless way a child may experience. Moreover, negative experiences occurring during adult years can cause further formation of negative beliefs. The impact of problems in family, marriage, career, work place and church, or experiences of failure, accident, chronic illness or tragedy can also cause us to believe lies about ourselves, others, and God.

As a child, I grew up with an absentee father who missed important milestones of my development, especially his guidance when I needed it most. What formed in my thoughts while growing up was a negative inner script which says, “I deserve to be abandoned because I am not lovable.” This negative belief about myself became a long-held belief which pierced the very core of my hurt from the start I was about to live my life until I became aware of it and was helped to replace it with positive (godly) belief which says, I am lovable and I am fine as I am. The negative belief shaped my thoughts and actions. I know that mental awareness is not enough to shift the validity of positive cognition, but recognizing it was already cathartic at that time.

I longed for healing from the hurts caused by early abandonment and rejection with help from the Holy Spirit who revealed, exposed and ministered in uprooting my negative belief about myself. The uprooting process was done through Restoring the Foundations (RTF) ministry focusing on a heart-level and Jesus-level healing experience which happened before the pandemic. After attending Pastoral and Advanced Counseling Training or PACT, I realized that the healing ministry I went through RTF was a process similar to a Trialogue involving the combined shapes of the square and the cross. From then on I continuously use the combined shapes when I do RTF self-ministry to my other held negative beliefs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit who is my Counselor.

The second source of negative beliefs are rooted from self-centeredness of man anchored on worldly standards which is reliance on false securities like appearance, achievements and influence (AAI). The ultimate goal is to be a self-made man, self-reliant, self-governing, who can do his/her own thing without God. Values are compromised for the sake of seeking pleasures, relying on something except God during painful experiences and the fallacy of pride in worldly pursuits.

Sins that run in the family for generations cause negative beliefs which continue to deceive and pass on down the family line. For example, sexual sins cause distorted beliefs about sex and sexuality. Normalizing any form of violence towards humanity twist the belief on human dignity which diminished God’s image and likeness in created being. In this manner, negative beliefs are extension of generational sins, which cause woundedness and brokenness. It mirrors how patterns of sins in parenting style will cause soul/spirit hurts to the next generation, creating open doors for demonic oppressions. Holding on to negative beliefs is like having an agreement with the Devil, rather than God, giving legal permission for demons to stay and oppress.

Since negative beliefs (thought patterns) are tied to generational sins (sin patterns), soul/spirit hurts (wound patterns) and demonic oppressions, leaving any of these doors open is dangerous for transformation to take place. Maybe this the reason why man’s thoughts are worthless when God is ignored in the transformational process without missing any door surrendered to the enemy. The Lord Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins to dismantle negative beliefs with renewing of the mind, and heal the soul/spirit hurts, thus, complete reclaiming of all legal grounds for deliverance from demonic influence.

The Lord knows people’s thoughts; he knows they are worthless. The reason is clear why people’s thoughts are worthless as laid by God’s Word in Isaiah 55:8-9 attesting,  

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Perception: Do You See What I See?

By JP

Perception is not only about what you see and your sense of reality (including memories, flashbacks, dreams, and hallucinations). In this case, we are also including the five senses—touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing—and self-perception, which is how you see yourself.

We have a perception of ourselves and reality every day. We can also change these perceptions or allow them to change us. There might be things we don’t like to touch, taste, smell, see, or hear. There might be times when we have bad dreams (nightmares). There may be moments when we see ourselves in a negative way. Painful memories or flashbacks might keep playing in our minds.

Struggles of Perception

Our perceptions can sometimes lead to struggles. Negative self-perception can make us feel unworthy or inadequate, affecting our confidence and relationships. Painful memories or flashbacks can trap us in cycles of fear, anxiety, or sadness. Sensory experiences, like an unpleasant smell or a distressing sound, can trigger discomfort or even trauma. Dreams and hallucinations may blur the line between reality and imagination, causing confusion or distress. These struggles can make it hard to find peace or maintain a clear perspective on life.

Strengths of Perception

Despite these challenges, our perception is also a powerful gift. It allows us to experience the beauty of the world—savoring a delicious meal, hearing a loved one’s laughter, or seeing a vibrant sunset. Our ability to reflect on ourselves can lead to growth, helping us recognize our strengths and areas for improvement. Memories, even painful ones, can teach us resilience and empathy. Dreams can inspire creativity and hope, while our senses connect us deeply to God’s creation. When we harness our perception intentionally, it becomes a tool for gratitude, connection, and understanding.

How to Have a Holy Perception with Jesus in Mind

To cultivate a holy perception, we can invite Jesus into our sensory and self-perception experiences, aligning them with His truth and love:

1. Seek God’s Perspective Through Prayer: Start each day by asking Jesus to guide your perceptions. Pray for clarity to see yourself and others as He does—loved, valued, and created with purpose. Scripture reminds us, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV).
2. Reframe Negative Self-Perception: When you struggle with negative thoughts about yourself, meditate on God’s Word. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Let Jesus’ love redefine how you see yourself, replacing lies with His truth.
3. Surrender Painful Memories and Flashbacks: Bring painful memories or flashbacks to Jesus in prayer. Ask for His healing and peace to replace fear or sorrow. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our anxieties to God, trusting His peace to guard our hearts and minds.
4. Engage Your Senses with Gratitude: Use your five senses to connect with God’s creation. Savor the taste of a meal with thankfulness, listen to worship music that uplifts your spirit, or touch the pages of your Bible as you read. These acts can anchor you in God’s presence.
5. Transform Nightmares Through Faith: If nightmares or troubling dreams disturb you, pray for God’s protection before sleeping. Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Trust Jesus to guard your mind, even in rest.
6. Stay Rooted in Community: Share your struggles and joys with a trusted Christian community. They can pray with you, offer encouragement, and help you see God’s work in your life. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

By inviting Jesus into every aspect of our perception, we align our senses, thoughts, and self-image with His divine perspective. This holy perception brings peace, purpose, and a deeper connection to God’s truth, transforming how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Reflective Questions

1. How do your current perceptions of yourself align with or differ from how Jesus sees you or your current situation, and what steps can you take to embrace His perspective?
2. Which of your five senses helps you feel most connected to God’s creation, and how can you use it to deepen your gratitude?

What is one painful memory or recurring thought you can surrender to Jesus this week, and how might you seek His peace in that process?

Volition in the CWF Framework and Counseling Practice

By Jenny Oh

According to the Christian Wholeness Framework (CWF), volition resides within the Mind Circle, alongside thought, cognition, mood, and perception. Rather than being a singular faculty, volition represents an integrative function encompassing cognitive, motivational, emotional, and temperamental processes. It reflects a complex interplay of inner dynamics that shape an individual’s capacity for self-directed action.

In the context of counseling, volition refers to a client’s intrinsic ability and willingness to make decisions and act upon them. It signifies more than mere motivation; it embodies the transition from intention to sustained action. While motivation may initiate the desire for change, volition enables that desire to be transformed into consistent, purposeful behavior. It plays a pivotal role in therapy, influencing client engagement, goal adherence, and long-term transformation.

Clients exhibiting volitional behavior often experience a heightened sense of agency—they perceive themselves as active participants in shaping their own lives. Conversely, individuals with diminished volition may be acutely aware of their goals yet feel paralyzed in their ability to pursue them. This condition can be likened to functioning with a depleted fuel tank—possessing knowledge and intent, yet lacking the emotional or psychological energy to act. Several factors within the CWF’s circles, such as physical illness or poor sleep, can reduce volitional capacity.

In clinical psychology, extreme forms of diminished volition are observed in conditions such as avolition, a core symptom of disorders like schizophrenia and major depression. This profound lack of initiative or motivation can severely hinder daily functioning. Consequently, a central goal of therapy is to support clients in cultivating their volitional strength. Therapeutic techniques may include structured goal-setting, mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and the development of self-efficacy—each aiming to reignite a client’s ability to choose and act.

Theological Reflections on Volition

Theologically, volition is rooted in the doctrine of free will—the God-given capacity to discern and choose between right and wrong. According to Dr. Steven R. Cook, “Volition tends the gate of our soul, determining what enters, its level of activity once inside, and the duration of its stay.” He argues that human consciousness is not passive but is actively shaped by our volitional decisions. Even subconscious acceptance of contradictory ideas may lead to cognitive dissonance and inner fragmentation, underscoring the vital role of volitional discernment.

In Christian anthropology, volition is not autonomous but influenced by reason (whether sound or flawed), emotion, life circumstances, and external coercion. While these forces shape the will, the Christian ideal is that volition be governed by the divine perspective, where God’s truth supersedes fluctuating human desires. This theological conviction affirms that all individuals—regardless of their psychological or emotional state—retain a fundamental ability to choose. Such an understanding is especially significant in counseling contexts, where clients often feel trapped in despair or helplessness. The belief that each person is created with inherent volitional capacity offers both hope and a pathway forward.

Augustine of Hippo, one of Christianity’s foundational theologians, regarded the will as the soul’s command center. He emphasized that God intended for the will and intellect to work in harmony, akin to a hand within a glove. For Augustine, the source of all human dysfunction lies in disordered will, and healing comes through the reordering of volition in alignment with divine love and truth. Restoration, then, involves not just intellectual assent but the transformation of the will—learning to desire rightly.

Biblical Insights into Volition

A compelling biblical example of impaired volition is found in the account of the man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:5–8). Afflicted for 38 years, the man is asked by Jesus, “Do you want to be made well?” Instead of answering directly, he offers an explanation rooted in helplessness: “I have no one to put me into the pool… another steps down before me.” This response reflects a perceived lack of agency—a resignation to circumstances beyond his control.

Jesus’ response is telling: “Take up your bed and walk.” The act of rising, initiated by the man’s will in obedience to Christ’s command, precedes the miracle. This passage illustrates that even the smallest volitional act—rooted in faith—can trigger profound transformation. Scripture frequently affirms that incremental steps of faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can lead to significant change. This biblical insight aligns with therapeutic principles that emphasize gradual progress, resilience, and the cumulative effect of small, intentional actions. The biblical narrative reinforces a central theological claim: human beings are created with the ability to choose. Even amid suffering, uncertainty, or psychological distress, volition remains a vital faculty. It empowers individuals to persevere, to engage in transformative processes, and to align their lives with truth and purpose. In both therapeutic and theological domains, the cultivation of volition is foundational to healing, growth, and spiritual maturity.

Everyday Weather of the Heart – The Mood

By Karen Grace Paul

You’re sipping your morning coffee, feeling happy. The sun is out; the day feels full of promise. Then the phone buzzes—a message that stings, maybe from someone who’s been distant. Suddenly, the heart sinks. The lightness from earlier fades, and the whole perspective shifts. What just happened? That’s a mood shift.

It’s not dramatic or unusual—it’s just part of being human. Moods are like the emotional weather inside us. They come and go, often without warning. They color how we see the world, how we relate to others, and how we care for ourselves.

Mood is a sustained emotional state that lingers under the surface, unlike quick flashes of emotion that rise and fall. When moods become persistent and intense—like in depression or bipolar disorder—they may need clinical attention. But even outside of diagnosis, our everyday mood shifts are still deeply important. They tell us something. They carry meaning.

Moods change for all sorts of reasons—our biology, our thoughts, past wounds, daily stress, lack of sleep, even just hunger. But they’re not random. A mood can be a way of getting our attention. That’s why learning to listen to our moods instead of fighting or ignoring them is such a powerful step toward emotional and spiritual health.

For us as counsellors, or simply wanting to be more present with others, learning to hold space for someone else’s mood is sacred work. Holding space means creating a room—emotionally, spiritually, even physically—where someone can be real, without fear of judgment or being fixed too quickly. It’s letting them say, “I’m not okay today,” and answering not with advice, but with empathy. It’s silence when needed, presence when words fall short.

It’s not in having all the answers, but in offering safety. When someone knows they can fall apart in your presence and still be met with kindness, that’s when healing begins.

Jesus Himself modelled this so beautifully. Think of how He wept with Mary and Martha before raising Lazarus (John 11:35). He didn’t rush to solve the pain—He noticed moods. He cared about hearts, He Connected and Understood and then responded. In Psalms, we see David pour out every kind of feeling—from joy to rage to despair—and God never shames him for it. God meets us where we are.

As counsellors and caregivers, we get to do the same. Ask simple questions like, “Where are you today on a scale of 1 to 10?” and then follow that with curiosity and compassion. Help clients connect the dots—what happened before the shift? What’s the body saying? What truth or comfort might they need in this moment?

Moods aren’t the enemy. They are the messages of the inner self. They don’t always need fixing—sometimes they just need a safe place to be heard. And in that safety, little by little, hearts begin to trust again.

And that—more than any theory or technique—is the true work of a healer.