Tag: Lisa Loraine Baker

How Does a Friend Love at All Times?

Do you have a friend? Maybe you have lots of friends. Some you can call acquaintances, but many of us are blessed with friends who are “closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). These are the people with whom we can share our most cherished dreams, as well as our deepest disappointments. These are the people we love and trust, and we would do just about anything for them.

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times. And a brother is born for adversity.” What does this verse mean?

Who Wrote This Proverb and to Whom?

The book of Proverbs is, in essence, a collection of wise sayings throughout thirty-one chapters. King Solomon almost exclusively penned the book, but chapters thirty and thirty-one were written by Agur, and King Lemuel, respectively (see Proverbs 1:1, 30:1, and 31:1). Proverbs are short and concise, and they illustrate enduring truth and insight.

In Proverbs 1:4, we are introduced to its purpose and general audience, “to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth.” Proverbs 1:8 shows us the specific audience as Solomon states, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”

What Does This Proverb Mean?

What we gather from Solomon’s words throughout Proverbs is that consequences are conditional on the student’s (son’s) decision to abide by the instruction. There are commands and also “words to the wise” within the Proverbs. Proverbs 2:1-5 tells us that if the hearer receives the teacher’s words and attends to wisdom and understanding, then he will “understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” This condition aids our understanding of the verse which says a friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.

We are shown the difference here between a friend and a brother. A loving friend is an unceasing source of that love. A sibling may or may not be as close, yet shows up in times of trouble. Therefore, friends are constant and a brother, while present in a time of calamity, is not always available.

What Is a Friend, and in What Way Does a Friend Love?

Let’s define the word friend. First we need to remember that being a friend is a choice, while being a brother is not. Being born into a family doesn’t necessarily make siblings friends (as so many of us can attest).

According to Logos’ William J. Ireland, Jr., “friendship may be simple association (Genesis 38:12; 2 Samuel 15:37) or loving companionship, the most recognizable example being that between David and Saul’s son, Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1, 3; 20:17; 2 Samuel 1:26).”

The Bible uses the word love in four main ways:

Agape is an unconditional, everlasting, and sacrificial love. When Scripture tells us of God’s love for us (John 3:16, 1 John 3:1, e.g.), it’s agape (perfect) love. So too is a husband’s love for his wife (and a wife’s for her husband).

Storge is described as familial love.

Eros is romantic love between a husband and his wife (and a wife and her husband).

Phileo is a love between close friends.

People in general tend to involve their friends in all aspects of their lives. In this sense, a friend is prepared for what may happen in another friend’s life. This is not always so with families. When we “leave the nest,” so to speak, it’s usual to become independent of our parents and siblings. We cling to friends who have common interests, cheering for each other in successes and coming alongside when failures occur.

A true Christian friend loves by:

– Praying

– Being available 24/7

– Listening (Families, who “knew us when,” lean toward solving our problems before we finish speaking)

– Being open and vulnerable and allowing the same

– Understanding when solitary time is needed by their friend

– Staying in contact

– Doing all he or she can to help/support their friend as they grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ

– Celebrating our successes

– Grieving our losses

– Gently correcting us

– Accepting correction

The list is long, and more can be added, but this is a good starting point. Jesus added weight to our understanding of what a true friend is when He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Isn’t that the ultimate love, and isn’t that what Jesus did for us? (see John 3:16)

Solomon continues his discourse on good character versus evil and foolish people. The maxims may seem random, but when they are measured together, there exists a theme. The overarching purpose of this book is teaching a person (a youth, a son) what living in wisdom looks like. Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-15), and the book of Proverbs is a result of what the Lord gave him.

What About When Our Friends Annoy Us?

Annoyance is inevitable in any relationship, even the most loving. We are selfish by nature and even though as Christians we are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), sanctification is an ongoing process. We won’t be the best, most loving friend until glory, because we are still sinners. And sinners can and do annoy others, because, well, we want what we want.

Realizing all of this, however, we are to be conformed to Christ. Whether we are annoying or are annoyed by others, we must react with Christlike patience, gentleness, and all the other fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. The best way to love your friend is to love the Lord first, and then your friend(s) (Luke 10:27).

How Can a Friend Lovingly Correct When We Need That?

Sometimes we discover our friend has erred in some way. It could be a theological error or it could be an action done by a friend that either has or might affect themselves and/or others. If another person shares a problem about/with your friend, the best course of action is to always ask your friend for their side of the account. Remember to go to them with an open and soft heart, yet having prayed for discernment. Listen and – if the situation warrants a correction based on your friend’s confession of wrongdoing – answer with grace and love. Always seek their best.

If a friend comes to you and admits a sin, the first thing to do is pray silently for the Lord’s help. Tell your friend you love them and want to support and help them through this time. Ask them if they have first confessed to the Lord and repented of their actions. If they haven’t, you can pray with them. They may need your help with prayer especially if it’s the first time this has happened to them. Then remind them of 1 John 1:9, that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just. He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

In no way should you place yourself in a lofty position because the Bible tells us to be humble and to consider others as more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

Of course, we would expect the same from a friend if we are in the wrong.

Friendship with Unbelievers

Believing friends are a treasure. But what about friendship with unbelievers? By all means, enjoy friendships with people who do not know the Lord, but be careful not to conform to their world (Romans 12:2). As you should every day, put on your full spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:13-18) before heading out to socialize with an unsaved friend. Interacting with people who do not love the Lord gives us the opportunity as God’s ambassadors to share the Gospel with them (2 Corinthians 5:20). Make the best use of your time with believing and unbelieving friends, for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16).

A Prayer for a Believing Friend

Lord Jesus,

I thank You for my friend, _________. She is such an example to me as she loves You above all else and reflects Christ by how she loves me. I pray, Father, for Your will in her life, that she would always seek Your face and abide in our Lord Jesus. Help me to be the kind of friend You have created me to be, always praying for her and modeling a sacrificial life. All this I pray for Your glory and for our good,

Amen.

A Prayer for an Unbelieving Friend

Father God,

You have placed this friend in my life for a reason. I know, Father, that I am to be a clear and godly reflection of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Help me to do that well, so when my friend sees me, she would want to know why I love as I do. If it’s Your will, Lord, please use me to bring her to Your saving grace. This is not my doing, but it’s all by You and for You. It’s my joy to be Your child. I pray the same for my friend. I thank You and pray in Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/PeopleImages

Lisa Loraine Baker is the multiple award-winning author of Someplace to be Somebody. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers’ mentor and is part of a critique group. She also is a member of BRRC. Lisa and her husband, Stephen, a pastor, live in a small Ohio village with their crazy cat, Lewis.

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April 14, 2024
Comforting Ways to Support Families Experiencing Miscarriage

Pastors and other Christians face many challenges in ministry, not the least of which is providing comfort when the tragedy of a miscarriage strikes families. The loss of a child presents parents with a heartache which seems insurmountable. But the loss of a baby even before they are born is grievous almost to the point of being unassuageable.

What does a pastor, a family member, or a friend say and/or do to help ease the bereaved ones’ burden? The best place to start is on our knees in prayer, and in God’s Word. Only God’s Word will bring healing to one’s spirit and soul. It’s our responsibility as His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) to speak God’s loving truth to the bereaved, as led by His Spirit.

Does the Bible Mention Miscarriage?

The Bible directly mentions miscarriage in 2 Kings 2:21 when the Lord God addresses His peoples’ need to rely on Him as opposed to the false god, Baal, to heal them from such things as miscarriage.

The word miscarry is used in Exodus 23:26 as the Lord’s promise to the Hebrews of no miscarriages, and also to make them fruitful in the Promised Land. “Miscarry” is also used in Job 21:10 as Job rails against the wicked, whose cows do not miscarry.

While the Bible does not directly speak to the affects of miscarriage, it does give us at least one important account of a suffering parent.

In 2 Samuel 12, we read about David’s sin against the Lord, and against Bathsheba and her husband, Uriah. David and Bathsheba’s adultery led to the conception of a child. In verse 14, Nathan the prophet tells King David his child with Bathsheba will die. The child was born and the Lord afflicted the child as He said He would.

David sought the Lord by prayer and fasting, and after seven days, the child died. When he was told of the child’s death, however, David “arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. He then went to his own house” (2 Samuel 12:20). David explained to his confused servants he fasted and wept in case the Lord would be gracious to him and allow the child to live.

Christian parents who suffer a miscarriage without doubt wonder why God allowed the tragedy to happen, and they also ask Him where their child is. Verse 23 gives parents who have lost children great hope, for David, who had an understanding of the afterlife, said, “But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”

David rested in the promises of God told to him by Nathan in 2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” David’s countenance changed after his child’s death partly because of the covenant God made with David. And through it we learn of the possibility the child of one of God’s children will live and a reunion will take place.

Scripture also reminds us again and again of where our help, hope, and peace comes (e.g., Psalm 121:1).

20 Comforting Things the Bible Has to Say to Families Experiencing Miscarriage

Christians, share these comforting and strengthening passages with families suffering through miscarriage. We can also comfort unbelievers with the same passages, assuring our beloved ones of the hope we have in Christ. Immerse yourself in God’s Word and rely on the Holy Spirit’s prompting for the right timing for all encouragement to the bereaved. There are times for hugs and silence and times for greeting cards with verses. Prayer ahead of time is critical.

1. Psalm 30:5: Weeping lingers through the night, but the Lord brings joy in the morning.

2. Deuteronomy 31:8-9: The Lord God will never leave us or forsake us.

3. Psalm 23:4: We may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but it’s just a shadow.

4. Psalm 27:1: The Lord is our light and our salvation. We have no need to fear anyone or anything.

5. Psalm 145:18-19: God is ever near. He hears our cries.

6. Isaiah 41:10: Don’t fear. God will strengthen and help us.

7. Isaiah 43:1-2: We are God’s and He protects us.

8. Matthew 10:29-31: The Lord values us. We are worth so much to Him.

9. John 16:22: Jesus promises secure joy will come out of sorrow.

10. Colossians 1:11: We gain strength from His glorious might.

11. James 1:2-3: These trails of life bring great faith through perseverance.

12. Psalm 119:76: God’s unfailing love brings comfort.

13. John 14:27: We have Christ’s peace.

14. John 16:33: Jesus has overcome the world. One day He will set things right.

15: Philippians 4:6-7: Go to God with all our petitions with thankfulness, knowing He will give us peace.

16. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: God’s will is perfect. It will be difficult at first to rejoice in it, but His perfect peace will instill our joy in Him.

17. Romans 8:28: Loving God means everything we go through will turn out for our good and for God’s glory.

18. 1 Peter 5:7: God cares for us, therefore we cast all our anxieties on Him.

19. 1 John 4:4: Many doubts indeed arise, but greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Rest in that.

20. James 4:8a: God is waiting for you to draw near to Him, for He will then draw near to us.

One more:

21. Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

How Can We Support Families Experiencing Miscarriage?

Our four directive actions should include:

1. Prayer
2. Visitation
3. Remembrance
4. Patience practiced by listening and honoring their time of grief.

The following guidelines will help when interacting and comforting parents who undergo such a loss.

Privately

God can and does use any circumstances He wills to call people to Him. We, as believers in the Lord Jesus, know this and we can direct our private prayers accordingly, for the Lord may use a miscarriage to:

Draw the grieving unbelievers to Himself.

Grow the faith of the suffering believers.

Show His glory and providence in all situations.

Magnify His name.

As we pray for believing families who undergo such a loss, we trust our God of all comfort to bring many passages to mind for those who are grieving.

Corporately

The life of a believing parent often includes small groups (Sunday school, Bible study, fellowship group). The members of each group are intimately connected, as prescribed in the Bible. We are to hold fast to our confession of hope in our faithful Lord Christ, stir each other up to love and good works, and regularly meet and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:23-25).

A unified church stands as one body and trusts one another with life’s details, sharing the joys and heartaches. As such, prayers for parents subjected to miscarriage are powerful and effective (James 5:16). This is not gossip; this is righteous prayer for our brothers and sisters.

Family

Christians can come alongside entire families who are devastated by the loss of an unborn child. And family members will stand together with their relatives to comfort them with their presence and with day-to-day tasks to alleviate pressing needs. What a strong witness to unbelieving families when Christians take the time to be with them and to share the best news ever — Jesus Christ (John 6:44; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 11:6). Our hope is found in no one else (Acts 4:12).

Friends

Friends perhaps know the bereaved parents better than anyone else. Great friends love each other in ways others can’t. Friends, take time to just sit with your beloved ones. Listen. Hug. Visit as often as they say they want company.

Practical Ways to Help Assuage Grief

Pain is pain — no matter the circumstance. Although God’s Word doesn’t mention specific parental miscarriage, what it does have is myriad passages which bring hope and healing. With this truth in view, the same practical ways to help parents grieving over a miscarriage can help anyone in a time of loss (except for specifics related to the baby).

Helpful Actions

A special playlist of hymns sent via email. Possible songs to include are In Christ Alone by Keith and Krystin Getty, Is He Worthy by Andrew Peterson, My Hope is Built on Nothing Less by Sovereign Grace Music.

Devotionals and other books which point grief toward the help and peace only the Lord can give.

A handprinted grouping of helpful Bible passages personal to you. You can share how they helped you.

Arrange for meals and offer to drop them off for any who cannot. Stay for a brief visit if the parents are amenable to it.

God’s Providence

For an unbeliever who suffers a miscarriage, this moment might be the most important in her and her family’s life. Many Christians came or come to faith at our “lowest low” because we have lost faith in what we or the world can do. God may use suffering to draw us out of the miry pit (Psalm 40:2).

God wastes nothing, and He’s the only One who can completely soothe grief. Jesus invites the weary and burdened to come to Him (Matthew 11:28). If a person remains unsaved, how will they ever know the Lord is our God of tomorrow?

Dr. Sinclair Ferguson adds this note of assurance in God, “The first, of course, is that the Judge of all the earth will do right and that He is a God of tremendous grace, that He sent His Son to bring us to Himself. There is no dark side in God, and so we can rest in the fact that He is a God who everything He does is right and true and good.”

If you are reading this and have suffered a miscarriage, please accept our condolences and our heartfelt prayers for your healing. If you don’t know Jesus Christ, may God bless you with the grace and knowledge of Him. If you do walk with the Lord Jesus, may He fill you with His peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

Photo credit: Unsplash

Lisa Loraine Baker is the multiple award-winning author of Someplace to be Somebody. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers’ mentor and is part of a critique group. She also is a member of BRRC. Lisa and her husband, Stephen, a pastor, live in a small Ohio village with their crazy cat, Lewis.

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May 16, 2023
Do Christians Have to Get Married in a Church?

Around the world, wedding ceremonies occur in various locations, from church buildings to local parks. In this post-pandemic time, destination weddings are still popular, and couples choose to invite their guests to a favorite locale, be it tropical or in view of a snow-capped mountain.

Nontraditional? You bet. Biblically sanctioned? It depends.

What Do Traditional Christian Weddings Look Like?

Christian wedding customs have varied throughout history and largely depend on the culture where the ceremony occurs. Time-honored U.S. traditions include pre-wedding bridal showers and then simple or elaborate ceremonies in a church building or chapel. The celebrations have grown to include groom’s and couples’ showers to honor and equip the man and woman for married life.

The wedding ceremony begins with music selected by the couple and is timed according to the arrival of the guests. Honored invitees (close friends and family members) are given front or near front row seating to witness the wedding. A clergyman or other officiate settles in the front center, facing the assembled guests, and the groom stands and faces the spectators in front of the clergyman and to his left (spectators’ right). Once the groom is in place, his groomsmen accompany the bridesmaids to the front of the sanctuary and separate at the front — the men go to the groom’s side and the bridesmaids go to the left, all facing the sanctuary. A special song begins (as chosen by the bride and groom) and the father of the bride accompanies his daughter to the waiting groom.

The usual progression is the father gives his daughter to the groom by placing her right hand in the groom’s. The officiating minister then performs the ceremony, thereby marrying the couple and then presents them to the assemblage as, Mr. and Mrs. __________.

A reception held after the wedding gives family and friends an informal way to honor and celebrate with the newly married couple. Receptions are either at the wedding venue itself or at a remote location.

What Does the Bible Say about Weddings?

As expected, the weddings mentioned in the Bible were Jewish, and without explicit details, we can glean the following:

The father of the groom chose the bride for his son. The betrothal period (Deuteronomy 20:7) lasted up to a year and it was a covenant before consummation. The groom would make all preparations for the wedding day, and upon his father’s approval, the wedding feast day (which lasted up to seven days) commenced when the groom went for his bride and brought her back to the house he had prepared for them.

Must a Christian Get Married in a Church?

Herein lies the crux of the matter. A marriage between a man and a woman (as created by God), is a covenant, and vows made between the man and the woman are in the sight of God. Because God instituted marriage, it must conform to His guidelines and purposes.

As such, a Christian couple is to:

1. Make sure they are equally yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14). Both the man and woman are to be true Christians, that is, people who have surrendered to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior according to the Gospel. And each is to pray about and for the spouse the Lord has for them.

2. Meet and pray with their pastor for marriage counseling so there is a greater understanding of what a Christian marriage entails. Once their pastor approves based on what the Bible says, they can then move forward.

3. Secure a marriage license from the authorities God has placed over us for our protection (Romans 13:1). In the sight of God and men, a man and a woman are joined in holy matrimony. This demonstrates the betrothed are endeavoring to keep themselves from every sort of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22), which a public declaration of their union in part assures (as far as being wedded under the law).

4. Arrange for a date and a venue for the wedding ceremony to be performed by their pastor (or another Christian officiate). And be very discerning to make sure the pastor provides a biblical wedding ceremony. A solid Bible-teaching pastor will expect this and will probably give the couple a huge “Attaboy” for their care in making sure they are entering a covenant which glorifies the Lord.

Whether the couple has their wedding in a church or somewhere else, the important factor is meeting all the criteria listed in the four points above. In marriage and in all of life, we are to honor the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31). God established marriage when He created Eve as a suitable helper for Adam (Genesis 2:20). When a woman marries the man God has chosen for her, she is obeying the Lord in her submission to her husband as the spiritual head of their household, and each should honor the other as they love the Lord first (see Ephesians 5).

We are the church, so true believers always get married “in” the church no matter the location of the ceremony (assuming a Christian couple would not choose a questionable site). Weddings performed in a church setting, however, have a special nature about them because it’s where the church gathers every week to worship the Lord. The sacred setting lends itself to the solemnity of the couple’s vows as they make their covenant to each other before the Lord. But to reiterate, it’s the hearts of the couple that matters as they come before God to pledge their love and loyalty until death separates them.

A beautiful saying that exemplifies the vows as the rings are exchanged is, “Before God, I give you this ring as a sign of my vow, and I promise to honor you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Will There Be Weddings in Heaven?

While our thoughts are on weddings and spouses, let’s look at what the Bible says will happen when we are in glory.

The Lord Jesus answers this question about marriage in heaven:

“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven” (Matthew 22:29).

“But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage; for neither can they die anymore, for they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:35-36).

Pastor Don Stewart adds, “Marriage, as we know it, is not necessary in heaven because there is no need for continuing the race. The number of people in heaven will not increase or decrease – it will remain the same. Believers will be married to Christ and have even deeper relationships than we have ever experienced on the earth.”

Instead, believers from all earth’s ages will be married to Christ. “’Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready; to her it has been granted to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure’ – for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ’These are true words of God’” (Revelation 19:7-9).

A wedding is a beautiful affirmation of a Christian couple’s covenant to each other before the Lord. It should be a joyous event for everyone involved, no matter where the wedding ceremony takes place. When God is in the center of it all, He is sure to be glorified.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Rawpixel

Lisa Loraine Baker is the multiple award-winning author of Someplace to be Somebody. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers’ mentor and is part of a critique group. She also is a member of BRRC. Lisa and her husband, Stephen, a pastor, live in a small Ohio village with their crazy cat, Lewis.

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March 15, 2023
30 Easy Ways to Continue Encouraging Someone in a Prolonged Time of Suffering

When our Lord Jesus lived on this earth, He told His disciples to expect tribulation (John 16:33). He ended that sentence with a promise, “take heart; I have overcome the world.”

There was no “if” in Jesus’ statement, therefore we know to expect trouble. When our times of trials and tribulation arrive, we cry out to God. We also ask our friends and family for support and encouragement. Sometimes tough times last a short season. Other times, a prolonged time of discouragement or illness catches a friend. They’ve received dozens of cards and flowers, but how can we continue to love on people who are suffering for an extended period?

Maybe they are facing a long season of infertility or waiting on a job or relationship change, or a life-changing event looms on the horizon. Each time of suffering hurts, and when it’s extended, the hurting person often stops asking for help for fear they will “wear others out.”

When able, they’ve been taken out for meals or have been given meals at home. How can we continue to help and cheer them?

Following are thirty out-of-the-ordinary ways you can come alongside your friend or family member with the love of Christ. They range from free to a minimal cost. We’ll refer to the person as your friend throughout this article, even though it might be a family member. The list is in no particular order of importance, except this one: pray for them and with them.

30 Ways to Encourage Someone in a Long Period of Suffering

1. Write a poem about your friend and post it on a social media account. Make it about all their good qualities and nothing about their long-term suffering.

2. Enlist a group of friends and have a “get well caroling” party at your beloved’s house (if possible).

3. Buy a pack of flower seeds and all the items needed for your friend to plant seeds and watch them sprout in a sunny windowsill. Make a little plant marker with a Bible verse written on it.

4. Grab some popcorn and your friend’s favorite movie and have a film night at her house.

5. Borrow a telescope (even better if you own one) and take your friend somewhere to see God’s stars on a clear, moonless night (unless you want to gaze at the moon).

6. Grab a photo of your friend and have a caricature artist draw a sweet rendition of your friend and present it to them as a gift.

7. Gather a group of mutual friends and have each one make a poster exclaiming appropriate wishes and take a group photo for your friend.

8. Compose a silly song using “garage band” or some other app and send it to the person you want to cheer up.

9. If you live within a short drive of a body of water, and the weather is conducive, either rent a boat and/or have a “captain” take you both on a tour of the lake or ocean inlets.

10. If your friend is able, take a trip to the local art museum.

11. Bring your loved one to church with you.

12. Head to the grocery store and get all the ingredients needed for your friend’s favorite meal. Then go over and prepare the meal and visit. (Laugh a lot, too).

13. Write a little book and add your own drawings. Gift your friend with it. It doesn’t matter if you can write or draw; the fun is in what you come up with and the smiles and maybe laughter it brings.

14. Is there a nearby nature trail you can visit? Pack a picnic lunch and take a leisurely walk.

15. Go on a photo shoot at a local landmark and dress for the occasion. Have fun with it.

16. This one’s easy for women, take your friend shopping, even if it’s just window-shopping.

17. Invite other believers to join together and pray over the person who’s struggling.

18. Spend a few hours at a nursing home with your friend and read to the residents.

19. Attend a minor league baseball game together. The atmosphere at minor league games is family-oriented and fun.

20. Go to a nursery and pick out some happy plants for indoors or to grow outside.

21. Purchase and fill a bird feeder and place it in a spot your friend can see from inside or from a porch or deck.

22. Gather three other friends and play some card games together.

23. Make a list of encouraging podcasts and put the apps on your friend’s phone if they are unacquainted with them.

24. Have a Bible study together on whatever you feel suits the need of your friend.

25. Have other members of your church family write out prayers for your friend.

26. Stitch or embroider a bookmark with a Bible verse.

27. If one of you has a porch or deck, have a nice long visit. If it’s cold, bundle up and have hot cocoa. If it’s hot, get the iced tea glasses filled. Remember, you’re not there to “fix” things. Just listening is a huge, underutilized ministry that speaks volumes.

28. Find lots of pictures of vacation spots your friend has always wanted to visit, or even share yours. Add funny anecdotes to make your friend laugh (and you will, too).

29. Share a funny comic strip each day.

30. Does your friend need a few repairs or any outside work done? Ask people from your church to help and take the group to their house to work and visit.

10 Bible Verses to Encourage People in Trials

Our culture is often called a garage-society. In days gone by, as we call them, people took walks and they were never short because others were out on their front porches and kids were playing in the yard (or on the street). A wave wasn’t enough; neighbors visited and shared stories and food! Today we enter our attached garages, get in our cars, open the door long enough to exit and off we go. Sometimes we even wave at a neighbor and sadly, we haven’t even met them. We just know they live in the third house down from us and they have a yellow dog. Often, people who are suffering go through it alone, partly because few people check on them and partly because a person doesn’t want to bother others with their ills.

It takes effort, thought, and prayer for us as Christians to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). The command given by Jesus right before that is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). How can we love our neighbors (and friends and family) without loving God first?

Following are a few Bible verses to help you as you pray about how you can help a long-suffering person. It does not matter if the person is a Christian or not, for we are to love them. If you are ministering to an unbeliever, tell them why, and share the Gospel. It’s the best news they’ll ever hear!

“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living!

Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!”

(Psalm 27:13-14).

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

“And they glorified God because of me” (Galatians 1:24).

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

“I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

I pray this list will help you as you minister to those in times of long-suffering. May our God of all hope bless your efforts.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/happy8790

Lisa Loraine Baker is the multiple award-winning author of Someplace to be Somebody. She writes fiction and nonfiction. In addition to writing for the Salem Web Network, Lisa serves as a Word Weavers’ mentor and is part of a critique group. She also is a member of BRRC. Lisa and her husband, Stephen, a pastor, live in a small Ohio village with their crazy cat, Lewis.

Lisa Loraine Baker

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March 14, 2023