Be There For Others

by Laurie Glass

What do you say or do when someone you know is struggling? Are you ready to pray, listen and encourage or do you feel at a loss for words? Do you find yourself doing nothing when you sense you should reach out with a kind word or a thoughtful action?

God tells us in Gal. 6:2 that we’re to be there for others. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Within the body of Christ, this is how we’re supposed to function – by being there for others. Among other ways, God uses us to lend a hand to others when they’re overwhelmed, encourage them when they’re down and pray for them when they need God’s strength and guidance the most.

Many believe they should carry each other’s burdens, but not everyone practices it. One of the first steps in being there for others is to eliminate excuses. Here are three common ones that need to go.

• I’m busy. Who isn’t? Granted, we may have times when we can’t squeeze in one more thing. However, for much of the time, most of us can make the time to obey God and be there for others. What does it say to the person who is hurting if we aren’t willing to take a little time out of our day to bless them in some way during a time when they need others the most?

• I have things going on in my own life. This may be true and on occasion a person is simply empty and needs to be on the receiving end. On the other hand, we can often be there for others even in the midst of our own struggles. In fact, sometimes we’re blessed by putting our own needs aside for a bit and getting our minds off of our own problems to be there for someone else.

• I don’t know what to say. Does that mean the person with a need should just be left to sit and rot? Look at it as an opportunity for God to speak through you. When we step out of our comfort zone, we can rely on the Lord to lead us. Not only are we there for someone else, but we also grow in the process.

Our excuses are pretty self-centered when you think about it. Instead of focusing on someone else’s needs and feelings, we’re making the situation about us. In the meantime, what does this do for the person who needs some help in bearing their burdens?

Once we eliminate excuses, then what? What does it mean to be there for others? What can we do for our sisters in Christ?

Of course, the first thing we can do is obvious and that is to pray. It’s great to care, but we need to put our concerns into prayers. To go to the Lord on behalf of a sister in Christ is a beautiful and powerful thing. Not only that, we can pray asking the Lord to show us how we can be there for her.

Next, consider her personality. What type of approach is comfortable for her? Some women appreciate hugs and being able to share their emotions with someone else. Other women are more private, but would treasure time alone and could use help with practical matters in order to free up needed quiet time. Let’s look at some things we can do for our sisters in Christ.

• Offer to listen to her and to pray with her. Validate her feelings and assure her of God’s love and healing touch.

• Help her make a list of what she needs to have done. Organize a schedule so several people can help in some way. Let her know you’ll take care of the phone calls and arrangements necessary so she will receive the help she needs.

• If she has children, offer to baby-sit, pick up her kids from school or have them over at your house for an afternoon or overnight.

• If she lives alone, offer to stay a night with her.

• Cook meals or run errands for her.

• Send a card. If what she’s facing is a sensitive issue and you’re unsure of what to write in it, say you’re sorry to hear about her difficult situation and she’s in your thoughts and prayers. Or, find a card that puts your sentiments into words.

• Buy a small gift that shows you care. Does she collect something? What are her favorite colors? Is there a craft item you make? If you write, you can share a devotional, article, poem or story with her. Just make sure that the gift fits her taste even if it isn’t something that you would prefer.

• Give her a book on the topic she’s facing. In her own time, she can glean needed principles to aid her in working through her difficulties.

Remember to focus on the needs and feelings of your sister in Christ. Pray for her and let her know that you care. Eliminate excuses and trust God to show you how you can best be there for her. Embrace the opportunity for God to use you to be there for others.

What are some ways you’ve been there for others or they’ve been there for you?