Supporting Those Who Are Struggling | Pastor Greg Ford Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Pastor Greg discusses the importance of supporting those who are struggling, emphasizing empathy, scripture, prayer, and avoiding oversimplification. It also highlights the need for self-awareness in times of pain to avoid unintentionally harming others while seeking support, drawing from biblical examples and the five stages of grief.

Supporting Others Through Struggles: Lessons from Jesus and Job Starting a series on supporting others through struggles based on Matthew 26:38. Discussing the five stages of grief and the importance of emotional depth and control. Calibrating expectations for imperfect support during tough times and learning from Jesus' example.

Understanding Grace and Support in Times of Pain Jesus foresees his friends' betrayal but promises Grace and support in Galilee. Job's wife's response to tragedy highlights the importance of recognizing when personal pain affects supporting others. Self-awareness in times of pain is crucial to avoid unintentionally harming others while seeking support.

Supporting Others in Pain and Grief Being empathetic and helping others work through their emotions. Avoiding oversimplifying complex situations and providing comfort through answers.

Navigating Comfort and Support in Times of Suffering Suffering is a tool for growth, not always understood by others. Comfort comes from presence, not just answers, in times of need. Be cautious of expecting perfect support from others in times of struggle.

Supporting Friends in Times of Struggle Understanding and forgiving friends who may not know how to support you. Empathy, scripture, prayer, and next steps are key in providing support during tough times.

QUESTIONS:

QUESTION 1:
How can we cultivate empathy and understanding when supporting others who are struggling?

QUESTION 2:
What biblical examples can we draw upon to guide us in providing effective support to those in pain or grief?

QUESTION 3:

How can we balance the need for self-awareness in our own struggles while also supporting others through their challenges?

QUESTION 4:

In what ways can we avoid oversimplifying complex situations when offering comfort and support to those in need?

QUESTION 5:

How can we create a supportive environment within our community or church to encourage open dialogue and provide meaningful assistance to those facing difficulties?

GUIDED PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,

We come before you with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and strength as we navigate the challenges and struggles of life. Help us to cultivate empathy and understanding towards those who are facing difficulties, that we may be a source of comfort and support to them in their time of need.

Grant us wisdom, Lord, to draw upon the examples of Jesus and Job as we seek to provide effective and meaningful support to others. May we learn from their experiences and teachings, and may we be guided by your word in all that we do.

Help us, dear God, to be self-aware in our own struggles, recognizing when our pain may impact our ability to support others. Grant us the clarity and insight to navigate our emotions with grace and understanding, so that we may offer genuine and compassionate care to those around us.

Lord, guard us against oversimplifying complex situations when offering comfort and support. May we listen with open hearts, speak with words of kindness and truth, and provide solace through our presence and actions.

Finally, we pray for the strength to create a supportive and nurturing environment within our community and church. May we foster open dialogue, encourage mutual understanding, and extend a helping hand to those in need. Guide us in our efforts to build a community of love, compassion, and support.

We offer this prayer in your holy name, Amen.

One ChurchMarch 6, 2024