For When You Just Want to Help...

You walk into a room and there is a shouting match going on....
As you sit by your friend in front of the TV he or she begins to share just what happened and how his/her relationship with_________ went sour...
Your brother/sister tells just how much this recent failure hurt...

And all you want to do is say a few words... you know... help.
Stop.
Wait a second...
Think about it...
You're about to speak to someone who is probably A) emotional B) impressionable/influencable C) listening to you and D) trusting you.

So stop.
Wait a second...
Think about it...
There is power in words (James 3:6). More than that, in such situations the listener empowers your words with their trust that.... it'll help.

Take note of at least three things
1) Let the words you speak be spoken out of love.

Focus on the fact that you love the person you're trying to help, you'll avoid the pitfalls that come from pride and fear when communicating.

2) You're not-all knowing and neither are they.

Be prepared to not have the answer.
You were told their side of the story or at best as much of the story as they know. (Snap-judgements are rarely true.)

3)The most powerful thing you can do is listen.

Most of the time those who seem to seek your guidance really just need your support. Not necessarily of what they've done, but of who they are and the good in them. Be ready to just listen. Let them sound out their ideas. Be as honest as you can (in love).

You might not have the answer others need (and they might not have what you need), but you can always avoid talking them into a worse situation and offer a listening ear.

So for all the times you hear the story of a family breaking-up, two friends seperating, a failure, or a dissappointment and you're tempted to speak...

Stop.
Wait a second...
Think about it...

It'll...you know.... help.

Proverbs 15:23.