The apostle Paul described himself as “harassed at every turn — conflicts on the outside, fears within” (2 Cor. 7:5). His life was in crisis. Notice what God used to provide the comfort and renewal he needed . . . other believers.
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever. (2 Cor. 7:6-7)
To thrive and not just survive takes perspective but usually there must first come the realization of presence … the presence of God Himself and other believers ministering to our souls, being there for and with us.
How We Can Provide Presence in People’s Lives Who are in Crisist
We are at a place in our lives of being able to comfort others when we ourselves have known God’s comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-4). We don’t have to go through an identical situation to be there for others. And, we don’t need an official position (i.e., pastor, teacher, counselor, etc.) to be able to help people who are struggling or are in crisis. We simply need to obey the one another commands of Scripture.
Bear one another’s burdens
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal. 6:2)
Bear with one another
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Eph. 4:2)
Care for one another
. . . so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (1 Cor. 12:25)
Comfort one another
Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thess. 4:18)
Encourage one another
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thess. 5:11)
Be Kind to one another
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph. 4:32)
Love one another
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. (Rom. 13:8)
Pray for one another
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
Serve one another
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love. (Gal. 5:13)
Spur one another on
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Heb. 10:24)
Keep in mind that people don’t have to personally experience a crisis to be affected by it. That point is brought home in a teacher training worksheet called, Crisis Strikes. Let’s be there for one another whether the threat is real or perceived so we learn to thrive and not just survive.