How can I help others cope?
2 Corinthians 1:4He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Be sensitive to each person God brings into your life. He often provides opportunities for you to comfort others who are going through circumstances similar to your own.
Romans 15:30Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit.
Pray for them. One of the best ways you can help others is to intercede for them before God’s throne in prayer.
Job 42:11Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring.
Be present for those in need. Often, a time of enjoying fellowship provides comfort. Love and support can also be communicated in financial gifts. At other times, there is power in just being there that often exceeds the power of words.
Job 21:2“Listen closely to what I am saying. That’s one consolation you can give me.”
Learn to distinguish between those who are just complaining and those who are truly struggling. Tune your ears to hear the inner cry of someone hurting. Sometimes what they need most is someone who will simply listen and without interrupting.
1 Corinthians 9:22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
You can help others by empathizing with them. A sympathetic heart recognizes another’s problems; an empathetic heart shares those hurts and helps bring hope and healing to them. Remember when you went through tough times. This gives you the insight and patience to help others through their tough times.
Proverbs 12:25Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.
Proverbs 15:23Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
Proverbs 25:11Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.
Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
To help others who are struggling, ask God to give you the right words. They should be encouraging, fitting, timely, good, and helpful.
Titus 3:14Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.
James 2:14-16What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
To help others who are trying to cope with difficulty, try to offer practical help. In other words, don’t just feel bad for them; instead, find out practical ways you can assist them.
