FRIDAY 23 SEPTEMBER - YOUR FRIENDS CAN HELP YOU THROUGH DIFFICULTIES

Read Galatians 6:1-10. I’ve lost count of the number of times I have spoken to people who have decided to step away from church - either temporarily or permanently - because they are hurting. It might be a bereavement, a job loss, a relationship breakdown, any number of reasons for their pain, but their response is to step away from their Christian community.

I am left baffled and hurt, because that’s not the way church should be. Christians should be there for each other in difficult times. We are called to bear each other’s burdens. I understand it’s natural for some people to want to isolate themselves and to handle their hurts in their own ways. But it’s a terrible idea! It’s then that you need your friends the most!

I’ve spoken with people who have told me, “I can’t even pray right now, I’m hurting so much”. That’s when you need friends around you to pray on your behalf. Sometimes, it’s the love and support of friends that gently brings us back into faith, when we fear we may have lost it.

Trying to handle pain and stress ourselves often leaves us feeling more tired and stressed than before. The best thing we can do is accept help from others and let our Christian family carry us through the pain, knowing they are the hands and feet of Christ who walks with us every step of the way.

THINK IT OVER

Think about the following:

Whose support can you count on to help you through times of loss and disappointment?

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