A Heart for the Hurting

August 13, 2022

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:1-2, Romans 12:15

Memory Verse

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Father is a merciful God, who always gives us comfort. He comforts us when we are in trouble, so that we can share that same comfort with others in trouble. (CEV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

Casey is alone in her room. The room is dark. She’s on her bed, ready for bed. The only light is her bedside table lamp. She is praying, “God, I’m worried about a lot of things right now. Sofia, school, the news…”

Casey continues praying. We see Mom and Dad quietly entering the room. A shaft of light is coming from the hallway now as they enter the room.
Casey: “The world is scary right now. Please be with my friends.”

They all snuggle in close and pray together. Casey, with her eyes open and a smile, says, “Oh, and thanks for Mom and Dad. They always show up at the right times.”

Print Comic

Imagine reaching out to one of your friends only to find that something is very wrong. They are sad and hurt and don’t want to talk. Then you learn that your friend just received the terrible news that their parents are going through a divorce. What do you say to them? How can you help them feel better when everything is falling apart?

In today’s verse, Paul describes God as the God who comforts us so that we can comfort others. Jesus was the greatest comforter of all, and we can learn a lot from his example. He was great at seeing other’s pain and showing them patience, love, and humility. In fact, he loves us so much that he died on the cross to save us from our sins. What an amazing act of love! So what does it look like for us to comfort others? How can we show love like Jesus to a friend who is hurting?

Just like Jesus, you can comfort a friend by listening to them, being honest and trustworthy, and staying by their side in good times and in bad. Comforting someone is an act of love. Helping a friend that is hurting does not mean you have to know all the “right” things to say. Sometimes a simple “I am here for you” is enough. A friend in pain needs your presence more than your words. And even though they are hurting, you can keep doing normal, fun things that friends do to help cheer them up. Like Jesus, you can be a ray of hope in their time of need.

Prayer

Lord, please open my eyes to see when friends are hurting. Help me to be a comfort to them so that through me they can know the greatness of your love and mercy. Amen.

Related Resources

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God's Got You Covered: Stories and Advice about Divorce

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Ginnette Yonkman

Ginnette Yonkman is a clinical counselor at Chicago Christian Counseling Center at their New Lenox and South Holland locations. She is passionate about serving individuals, couples, and families struggling with a variety of mental health issues. Ginnette received her bachelor’s degree from Trinity Christian College and master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene University.