Sadness is usually a particularly difficult concept. The bereaved have difficulty coping with the emotions of bereavement, and people who wish to support the bereavement may additionally find it difficult. But it is so necessary to support friends in difficult times. Exodus 17:10-12 we read: “And so Joshua fought with the Amalekites as Moses commanded, and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went as much as the highest of the mountain. As long as Moses held his hands up, the Israelites won, but every time he lowered his hands, the Amalekites won. When Moses’ hands got drained, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur raised their hands, one on one side, the opposite on the opposite, in order that his hands remained motionless until sunset.” People need the tangible support of others through the gestures, encouragement and help of dear friends.
However, it is easy to say a fast cliche as an alternative of sitting with someone in deep sadness. It’s necessary to not say cliches when a loved one among a friend has died, equivalent to “God doesn’t give us greater than we are able to handle” or “he’s in a greater place,” because while that sounds soothing, it doesn’t provide the person with much relief. It only provides the “comforter” with a fast way out of a difficult situation. But what can a person do when a friend is in mourning?
Here are six ways to support a grieving friend:
1. Pray for Them
The most vital thing you possibly can do for a friend is pray for him. Ask the Holy Spirit, the Great Comforter, to present them a peace that passes all understanding. This is the perfect gift a grieving person can receive. Ask the Holy Spirit to talk to you about that person. When God gives you a word of encouragement, remember to pass it on to that friend. It can speak to their heart in ways they have not verbalized to anyone else, including you. This will help them feel seen and known by God and meet their deep emotional needs for comfort and support.
2. Make them a meal
Offer to organize a meal for somebody in mourning. It’s a tangible technique to meet their needs and display their presence in your life. Remember to not do what you want, but moderately ask them what they would really like to eat. If he has a special weight loss plan or is a picky eater, buy a present card to his favorite restaurant or have his favorite meal delivered to the doorstep (tip included). They may not feel as much as eating after they first experience loss, but over time their appetite will increase and a fast meal that could be available might be of great help to them.
3. Encourage them
One of the perfect sources of encouragement we now have is the Word of God. Take a day and walk through the corridors where persons are in deep sorrow or pain. Write down what God said to them at the moment. Read the encircling context and reenact how God was a Great Comforter to others. In the approaching weeks, say nothing to your friend, but moderately show your friendship by recreating these scenarios at their comfort level. It might be so simple as sending a bouquet of flowers a month after the loss, checking them out, letting them know you are pondering of them when all members of the family are gone, or calling them on the phone and leaving a message know you are praying for them.
People often receive plenty of support when someone dies for the primary time before and immediately after the funeral. But three to 4 weeks in any case members of the family return home and that person is left alone, they are going to experience one other wave of grief. Showing these acts of kindness during this time will show Jesus and His love in your life in a way that can comfort them for the months ahead.
4. Be the hands and feet of Jesus
Preparing a meal or buying a present card on your favorite restaurant is an incredible begin to showing support and kindness. Try to do your best to support your friend during their bereavement. Offer to say a couple of words about the one you love if there may be a funeral. Ask them if there are any things they should sort out or tie up in the case of the lack of their loved one. Pay for groceries and get them organized for delivery to a friend’s house. Offer to cover any last-minute costs on the funeral home or burial site. Discover ways to present a tangible demonstration of Jesus to your friend. If you’re running out of opportunities to do that, ask the Lord to disclose any needs your friend has that she or he has not told you about. Do your best to fulfill them in a form and loving technique to show that you just are a great friend who supports them of their difficult times.
5. Write them a note
In this technological world, many have lost the art of handwritten notes. Use a sympathy card or a blank piece of paper and write in it all of the ways your friend has been an encouragement to you. Highlight their good qualities and why they’re good friends to you. In the hustle and bustle of life, we regularly don’t say the necessary things that make people feel special. Tell them how much you’re keen on them and encourage them to not feel bad in the event that they don’t recover from their loss immediately.
6. Check in with them
Sadness is just not linear; grieving can last for years, and folks undergo many stages before the grieving is finally over. Don’t rush them, but allow them to know you are there for them. Send a random text letting them know you are pondering of them. Buy a present from Amazon that they are going to love and have it delivered to their door. Make their birthday or another special holiday special on the time of their loss. Don’t spare the gift money, throw a celebration of their honor, or host a card party where other family and friends can write words of encouragement to their friend. Checking in on them often will help them feel more comfortable sharing with you in the event you’re going through a tricky time or asking for help when needed. Don’t be discouraged in case your friend responds quickly or doesn’t respond in any respect. Give gifts and encouragement notes without expecting emotional payback for you. Be someone who loves others without obligation.
Sadness is just not something that everybody should undergo alone. God gave us individuals who support us in difficult times of our lives. Be Hur for Moses in your life. Hold people’s hands after they are at their weakest, and you could find that you furthermore may have the support you would like in difficult times.
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