Proverbs 15:23: “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!”
Supporting others in times of need brings true joy.
Everyone with an iPhone knows it’s rude to leave people on “read.” To avoid this, I used to procrastinate opening messages until I knew I was ready to answer them. I’d pull down the menu so that I could preview the first few lines of the text. Then, I’d decide if I wanted to open it in that moment or not. I learned how uncool that was when a seemingly dramatic message that I chose to ignore unknowingly ended in a plea for help. By the time I read the full message, I had already allowed my friend to suffer alone for hours in some serious heartbreak. I was devastated. I decided in that moment that I would no longer push others off until it was convenient for me. I now choose to be available and attentive. It’s changed my friendships and my life. I’ve been able to offer encouragement in times of doubt, support in times of grief, excess emojis in times of celebration, and prayer in times of need.
Be there for your friends. Listen to them carefully and respond with empathy and love. You will not only encourage their souls but bring joy to your own.
Have you been available and attentive to your friends lately?