Two Powerful Phrases

Encourage one another and build each other up. —1 Thessalonians 5:11

While we’re surrounded by broken people, we don’t always see the hurt right away. Our battle scars are often unseen because we tend to mask up. We smile and pretend that everything’s okay.

And when we do become aware of those for whom everything is not okay, we don’t always know what to do. I want to suggest two simple phrases we can start with that have a powerful impact.

The first is, “I’m sorry.” When you say those two words, it’s a conversation opener for those who need to talk. It allows them to share their pain with someone who can take them to the cross.

The other phrase is, “I am available.” I’m here to listen, to talk and pray with you and help you. We need to be available to be what God has called us to be in that person’s life.

When you don’t know what to do, you do. You live out what Jesus said in Matthew 7:12: “Whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them.”