Hey guys! I just wanted to offer some pointers on how to encourage and walk others through pain. These are things I have found that the care reciever really appreciates:
1) Constantly remind them that they are NOT alone. They have you, and they have Jesus. Keep telling them you will walk beside them, and that they'll overcome WITH you. You guys are in it together!!
2) Always point them to Jesus. You can comfort and bring peace in your own strength as much as you want, but when it comes down to it, Jesus is the BEST Healer out there. Why not just take your suffering friend to Him in the first place? Remind them to pray, and to read the Bible. Maybe even offer to do these WITH them.
3) Have an open door policy. Pain is a nasty beast that will go dormant then rear its head at the drop of a pin. Make sure they can always contact or get in touch with someone; if not you, someone both you and them trust. Always have a back up plan. If they cannot reach you and have no other release, they will turn to physical means to try and let it out, which only drives them deeper into depression.
4) LOVE them. Always be caring and loving towards someone. Don't freak out if you hear they are cutting, or if they were abandoned by their parents, etc. Freaking out makes them afraid to share anymore, and the pain will set in the dark and fester. Rather, show them you care by emphasizing with them.
5) PRAY over them. Pray with them. Pray on them. Prayer is such a powerful tool that is underutilized in our faith. Only Jesus can fully heal their pain. Meet them where they are, walk them to the cross, and pray. Giving it all to Jesus is the BEST escape!
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