Helping a Hurting Friend: Bringing the Hope of Christ in Hard Times

If you have been in a dark or desperate place, youalreadyknowthatthe best kind of friendsitswith your pain and listens.What does it take to be a compassionate, helping friend when thoseyoulove are struggling?A godly friend with a heart to help, a listening ear, and alove for Gods Wordcan be a profound help to a friend in need.

Counselor Garret Higbee helpsconcerned friendsembrace the idea ofcounseling in communityand unpacks how members of the body of Christ can more effectively come alongside one another and carry each others burdens.He encourages us to develop the skills of patient listening and drawing out the heart before offeringanywords of guidance.

Love isnot onlyfor times when it is easybut is especiallyneededwhentimes arehard. When we might want to judge harshly or run away from a persons pain or sin, aChristianfriend will instead move toward the person, encouraging them sincerely,challenging themcompassionatelywhen needed, and restoring them gently to Christ.