All of us have friends who are sick, lost a loved one, or are hurting. How can we help the hurting? Is there anything that I can do to make it easier for them?

As I thought about my hurting friends, I realized that there are many ways that I can help them. It doesn’t take a lot of money, only a little bit of my time.

First of all, the best way that we can help them is to pray for them. We may not understand all the things that they are facing but God does. And we need to tell them that we are praying for them. Just a simple text, “I’m praying for you”, will mean a lot to them.

A note or card of encouragement in the mail (yes, snail mail) can mean a lot too. Mail time will be special when there are cards to open.

Deliver a meal to them. Check first to make sure this is fine as they might be receiving lots of food or may have some diet restrictions. Or take a frozen casserole or homemade pizza that they can eat later.

If you are shopping, check with them to see if they need any groceries or things from town. And while you are in town, pick up a bouquet of flowers or plant for them.

If there are children, make a basket of snacks for lunches. Mom might find it hard to think what to pack and having things handy will be a blessing.

Pick up the phone and call them. We are always too busy and we don’t know what to say but a phone call just might make their day.

Stop by and visit with them. Those who are sick can have very lonely long days. Maybe you can cheer them up!

These are just a few ways that we can help our hurting friends and I’m sure there are lots more. What is one thing that you like to do to help the hurting?