Craig T. Owens

Christians should be the best at loving others and supporting them through a tragedy. When someone’s world is rocked by an unexpected heartache like a miscarriage, a suicide, a difficult medical diagnosis, or even a hurricane, here is my list of 10 steps to help someone through this trying time. You may watch this short video, or see the list of 10 items below…

1. Just be there for them.
2. Listen.
3. Listen.
4. Listen to them some more.
5. Don’t try to “fix” their problem.
6. “Weep with those who weep.”
7. Don’t defend God (like Job’s friends tried to do).
8. Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you insight.
9. Remind them of their responsibility now—your choices to go forward, how will you honor their memory, how can you help others in a similar situation, what does this make you think about your eternity?
10. Stay in touch for the long haul. Remember the birthday of their dead loved one; be there for the anniversary date of a marriage, the day their loved one died; go to those doctor’s appointments with them; roll up your sleeves and work alongside them. Use your creativity to proactively be there for them.