One of the most loving things we can do for others is to create a space where they know they’re safe to reveal their real struggles and hurts. Around a table. On a walk. Maybe even on a road trip. Initiating those moments where togetherness says, “You belong. You have a place. You have a voice. You have people who love you just as you are, right now, in your struggle.”
When you’re hurting, it can feel isolating when you aren’t sure how to talk about the hard things or who can safely hold your honest thoughts. But having God’s Spirit in us allows us to love people who are hurting, empathize with their pain, and acknowledge their side of things, even though we can’t change the outcome or fix things for them. Only God can do that.
So we do what we can do to love them well. We show up with Jesus in our hearts and compassion in our words. And we’re there, creating a sacred space where the Holy Spirit can move.
Who in your life may need this reminder today?
Maybe shoot that person a quick text saying, “Hey, friend. Jesus loves you, and I love you. I’m here for you.” And if you’re the person who needs to be reminded that she’s a little less alone in what she’s walking through right now, I’ll be that friend for you today. Though I don’t know your specific name, God does. And He made sure our paths crossed right at this moment in your life.
Come Close to Jesus: What to Pray When You Need the Lord to Still Your Thoughts, Calm Your Heart, and Guide Your Way (Thomas Nelson, March 31, 2026).
{If you enjoyed this blog post, you might also like this episode of The Love Offering Podcast, where Rachael chats with Misty Phillip about having lived through many difficult seasons of life where all she could do was look to God and His Word for hope. There she found biblical solutions and scriptural promises that helped her to overcome. We pray that after this episode you realize that though the struggle is real, so is God. You can listen to the episode here.}
About the Author:
Lysa is president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of eight New York Times bestsellers, including Come Close to Jesus. She enjoys life with her husband Chaz and her kids and grandkids. Connect with her atwww.LysaTerKeurst.com or on social media @LysaTerKeurst.
