How can I support others?

Proverbs 27:10Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

We can support others by being a kind and enduring friend, family member, and neighbor.

Hebrews 12:15Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

We can support others by being involved in and concerned about their lives.

1 Peter 3:8Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.

We can support others by being sympathetic, loving, and humble.

James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

We can support others through 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.

Psalm 69:20Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 6God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He 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. . . . Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

1 Thessalonians 4:18So encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 3:7So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.

Philemon 1:7Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

We can support others by comforting them. In the same way that we forgive because God has in Christ forgiven us, we support others because we have God’s support.

1 Samuel 23:16Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.

Acts 14:22They [Paul and Barnabas] encouraged them [the believers] to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:11So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

We can support others by encouraging them.

Exodus 17:12Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.

We can support others by giving them physical assistance.

Romans 12:13When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

2 Corinthians 8:14Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.

We can support others by practically and unselfishly sharing what we have. We cannot expect others to support us in our time of need if we have failed to support others when we had the means to do so.