Encourage him with God's words.
| posted 1/30/2009
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You've just heard your good friend is going through a divorce. You're in shock. What do you do? Is there any way to soothe the hurt? Should you help out with housework, financial resources, a place to stay, a listening ear? And a harder question: What do you say when you first see him?
Sometimes the best thing you can humanly do is just be there and not say anything. Maybe a hug or a night out without talking about the divorce will give your friend the breather he needs to regroup. Let your friend know you cherish him and his friendship—and that God loves him. And in his times of greatest grief and upheaval, be ready with words of comfort from the Bible. These words of Isaiah are perfect for such times. They make it clear God's heart is tender toward us (43:4), that he will protect us and never leave us (43:2).
Share these verses with your friend in a "Thinking about you" card or in person. They just might be the heavenly hug your friend needs today! (See also Job 13:5-15; Isaiah 61:1-3; 2 Corinthians 1:3-7.)
Good Words to Remember:
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned …. Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored and I have loved you. Isaiah 43:2, 4
Today's Challenge:
Do you have a friend who needs a heavenly hug today? Who? And how will you accomplish that?
Copyright 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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