---

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Hard seasons can come out of nowhere, leaving people feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. In those moments, one of the most meaningful things we can offer is our presence, just being there. As Christians, we believe that even when life feels uncertain, God is still present and at work. Sometimes, just showing up with compassion is how we reflect that hope. If someone in your Group is walking through something heavy, you might wonder how to help in a way that actually matters. Here are a few simple ways to come alongside them with care, faith, and intention:

Listen First, Care Well
You don’t need all the answers, just a willingness to listen. Give them space to share, without trying to fix or rush the conversation. Make eye contact, stay present, and let them know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling. If they’re open to it, ask if you can pray with them. And remember: you’re not alone either, there are great resources available anytime at JRNY.church if you’re unsure how to help.

Offer What You Can
Sometimes small, practical things like dropping off a meal, watching their kids for an hour, or helping with errands can lift a huge weight. You don’t have to solve everything; just show up. That’s how Jesus loved, by stepping into people’s lives with compassion and care.

Respect Their Space
Everyone handles difficulty differently. If someone needs time or quiet, honor that. Let them know you’re around if they need anything, and then trust God with the rest. You can still support them quietly through prayer and encouragement, even from a distance.

Be a Steady Presence
Beyond helping with logistics, emotional support goes a long way. Remind them they’re not alone and God is with them in every high and low. You don’t have to say a lot. Just being consistent and dependable can be a lifeline. It’s not your job to have every answer, sometimes people are just needing someone to “show up” for them.

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Know When to Step Back, While Creating Healthy Boundaries
Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is give space… not out of frustration, but out of trust. There may be moments when, despite your care and effort, the other person isn’t open to help, or the weight of their situation is beginning to impact your own well-being. That’s okay. You’re not called to carry everything, and stepping back doesn’t mean giving up, it means letting God do what only He can. Keep praying. Stay available as your boundaries allow. And trust that God sees them, knows their needs, and is already at work in ways you can’t always see.

Skip the Quick Fixes
Avoid jumping into advice mode unless they ask for it. Most of the time, people need connection more than solutions. Offer your story if it’s helpful but, always lead with humility and empathy. Knowing when to speak up or when to be quiet is a quality of any great leader. You aren’t there to fix them, you’re there to support them and when necessary, always point them forward in loving truth.

Follow Up
Don’t let care stop when the crisis fades. A check-in text, a coffee invite, or just asking, “How are you really doing?” can mean more than you know. It tells them they still matter, even after things calm down.

Know When to Reach Out for More Help
Sometimes what someone’s going through requires more than we can offer. That’s okay. Directing them to professional support isn’t a failure, it’s a loving next step. We’ve gathered trusted tools and resources at JRNY.church/resources to help make that easier.

At the end of the day, supporting someone well doesn’t mean having all the right words. It means showing up with patience, empathy, and a heart that reflects God’s love. Your story, your presence, and your faith may be exactly what someone needs to see that they’re not alone and that there’s hope in every season.