From the loss of loved ones to financial strains, to divorce decisions, to dealing with a wayward child, we carry the brokenness of hurting people, and it is imperative that we do so with grace, honor, and wisdom. This is a good bible verse to deal with loss… “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified” (Isaiah 61:1-3 New King James Version).
A Couple Things To Remember As We Try to Console The Hurting
Listen To Them First
Be sensitive to people’s moods, look, and ask questions. Don’t be afraid that you may not have the solution to the problem. By merely listening to a hurting persons question, one after the other, both of you may be able to find a solution to the problem confronting the person and probably discover the way you may be able to help. Be humbled with the fact that they are opening up and sharing where there is deep pain, depression, and even doubt. They are vulnerable and need someone to listen first. When Paul encourages the Roman Christians to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15) we are reminded that we should walk alongside one another. Display empathy and compassion in the context of love.
Give Them Hope
People who have made wrong decisions or wrong choices most probably, already know that they are responsible for the hurt that they feel. They don’t need you to add to their weight of guilt. What they need is hope; what they need is you pointing them to the mercy of God. They need to know that God is ready to forgive them. They need to know that all is not lost. A simple Bible verse will not fix it all, but our primary goal as friends, family, and Christians is to remind them of the hope and care they have in God is more than any answer we may have for them. We need to make sure we are giving them hope to fix a problem.
Don’t Go It Alone
God can and will use you in many ways to bring comfort and encouragement to those who are hurt and grieving. We can do hurting people a great disservice by failing to lead them to more competent helpers, if needed. Most of us do not have the credentials, background or understanding to handle many of the difficult situations that are brought to us by those truly in need. We need to do research in our Christian community to find resource centers, addiction recovery programs, grief share groups, and medical help. Talk to your pastor for help. It is very wise when we utilize the different resources around us and allow other people to be extensions of our care and understanding.
Make Sure To Follow Up
This is probably the most important step after someone has shared with you what they are walking through. Admitting that they have been struggling with a problem is an incredibly difficult thing to do. If someone has come to you to talk, recognize not only how brave that decision is, but also the responsibility you as the listener now have. Be sensitive and be supportive. Give them a phone call or send a simple email, text or card to reemphasize the hope and grace you continue to offer them. Tell them you are praying for them.
A Prayer to Give you Strength to Help… Lord Jesus, you know we are often weighed down by burdens as we journey through this life. Those burdens can sometimes become so heavy that they cause us to stumble or fall. They can often discourage us, overwhelm us with fatigue, and spark within us a fear that we will never walk unencumbered. Just now, my dear friend is in pain, Father, and is carrying a heavy load. I pray you will strengthen and equip me to help shoulder the worry and the weight — to offer relief and respite as I continually lift my friend to you in prayer.
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About Jesus Love Temple
Evangelismania – We are a lively church focused on spreading the Gospel message into the entire world! Evangelismania was a term given to Pastor Shockley by God. It is a theme for our church’s strategy of…
- Taking every possible opportunity to share the gospel message of Jesus Christ to the lost.
- Taking every possible opportunity to invite someone to church
- Living a Christian life that shines the Light of Christ and supports church evangelism
- We believe God wants us to help those in need. At Jesus Love Temple YOU are important!
What We Do At Jesus Love Temple…