She Didn't Know What To Say

When I was going through a difficult time, a close friend quit answering my emails. Years later I asked her why. 

“I didn’t know what to say," she said. "I didn't have any answers for you."

Like this friend, I used to think the best way to help a troubled friend was to give advice.

But going through my own struggles has helped me realize that the best "answers" are usually not answers.

Friends who say, “I’m sorry. I’ll pray for you,” are the greatest comfort and help. Their prayers help us hear from the one Friend who never disappoints, never is too busy, and always knows exactly what to say - our Lord!

He "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

If your friend is struggling with problems, don't give her answers unless God clearly prompts you to do so. But let her know you are listening and genuinely care for her (Romans 12:15). And pray that God will give her the answers she needs.

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You might like these 1-minute devotions related to this subject:
Bad Comforters and Good Comforters
3 Ways to Comfort

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