The saying goes, “hurt people, hurt people.” That could not have been more true today. My son sent me a text before school that his friend just had an outburst at him when my son asked how he was doing.
Things are hard for teens. Between the pandemic and just being a teenager, at that awkward “not really sure of who you are” stage, trying to find and define yourself.
This kid was hurting, why, is unknown to me, (but God knows), but clearly, he was. I quickly responded, “Just give him some space. Be there for him if and when he wants to talk, it may not be today. Keep praying for him. He’s clearly got something going on.”
How often do we respond to people from the hurt we have in our hearts, even if they have nothing to do with the hurt we are experiencing?
Are we wearing facades to hide our issues? Are we needing help, but are too afraid to ask or too afraid to feel vulnerable? Or maybe you just don’t know where to turn to for help.
God is always the place to turn.
Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT).
Keep showing up, checking in, simply being there, and listening if they are willing to talk. Sometimes just being there, no one talking but just being with the other person when they are going through a hard time.
I encourage you, friend, don’t give up when you are given the cold shoulder. God didn’t give up on us, so let’s not give up on one another.
This message has been brought up to me on several instances throughout the last couple of weeks, how we need to meet people in their mess and love them right where they are. None of us are perfect, and none of us have it all together but we all can love one another in our mess and imperfections.
***If you do feel you need someone to talk with, please reach out to someone, a trusted friend, counselor, teacher, or pastor***
Lord, thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to love others right where they are and to encourage them. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
- Are you hurting today? Release that hurt you are holding on to, to God either in prayer or journaling.
- How can you encourage one person today? Let me know what you did to encourage them.
- Share in the comments how I can be praying for you. (or email me from the contact me page!)
