1. Be a good
listener. Restrain the urge to tell your
own story. Let it be about them.
2. Use gentle words - and only a few words - to help your friend
gain perspective. When we are discouraged
we tend to lose sight of the whole picture.
3. Affirm your friend’s feelings. Sometimes we just need to be heard or to know
we are not alone.
4. Pray for your friend. Then write them a note and tell them you prayed.
5. Let your friend know you are thinking of them in
moments they would not expect to hear from you.
6. Sometimes a thoughtful (not expensive) gift can
convey feelings that words can’t. Something
informational that they are interested in, something made in the kitchen, a
single flower, an offer to go out for latte or a smoothie, are small ways to
convey that you care.
7. Encourage your friend by pointing out their
gifts and talents and remind them of how they have influenced your life.
8. Share your favorite Bible verse with your friend.
9. Be worthy of the trust your friend has extended
to you by sharing their problems.
Consider that trust a compliment.
1 10. Point your friend to hope – not empty words but the true source of hope that God has expressed through His Word. A few examples are: “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He
cares for you.” I Peter 5:7; “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and
saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Psalm 34:18; “I will lift up my
eyes to the mountains; from where shall
my help come from? My help comes from
the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2; For I know the
plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah
29:11
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