A friend of mine is suffering spiritually. I see it,I feel it,I know it. I want to help him,but I don't know what to say or do. I know I should just stay out of it,being that it isn't my business,but I'm worried about my friend.
What should I do?
2007-10-22 12:48:34 · 25 answers · asked by Myaloo 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Your friend is suffering emotionally, not spiritually.
"Spiritual" really is just a word used to make emotion sound more impressive. It really doesn't mean anything.
What you should do depends on what's concerning your friend. If your friend is stressed about something, then talking about it might help, or, perhaps, you can do something with your friend that is stress relieving. If your friend is depressed, then just being with your friend might help. If your friend is clinically depressed, then you might suggest some professional help. Or it might be something that your friend has to work out alone.
You really haven't given much to go on there. It would have been more useful to give details on why your friend is suffering than just using nonsense words like "spiritual", which say nothing.
2007-10-22 12:51:24 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Perhaps expressing more earthly concerns would be the way. The Good Samaritan responded to the physical needs of the man he helped. Food, shelter, medical care... Maybe (just maybe) being there for your friend with a more immediate need could open the door for a spiritual conversation, or even by itself provide some spiritual comfort.
I think you are correct to be cautious of being invasive. Nobody likes that, but you should look for a non-invasive way to offer whatever you can offer.
2007-10-22 19:54:33 · answer #2 · answered by Todd 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let him know that you are willing to listen to his problems.
I don't know what you mean by 'suffering spiritually' but you are not god's representative on earth. If a friend is suffering, it is your business insofar as he's your friend. You don't have to force him to accept your help but you should let him know that you care about him.
I am not a Christian and one thing I do know - praying for him, without telling him that you do so, will not do a bit of good. I believe that religious people get some help from knowing that others are praying for them, but it wouldn't help me in the slightest. However, it might help him (but for psychological reasons, not that god is actually helping him). Studies have demonstrated that sick religious people who were being prayed for, but who didn't know that they were being prayed for, showed no special improvement, whereas sick religious people who were being prayed for and knew it showed a slight improvement. I take this to be the placebo effect.
2007-10-22 19:54:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're right that it isn't your business but a good friend would want to help. I suggest remindng him that you're there if he ever wanted to talk about anything. Don't press the issue and don't hint around that you know what is bothering him. If he wants to talk about it he will eventually. Forcing the discussion will most likely have adverse affects. Spirtuality is a personal thing that some people do not like to discuss with others.
2007-10-22 19:52:06 · answer #4 · answered by jennasue99 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pray for guidance and ask Him to show you what to do, give you the right words to say. Sometimes, it is best to just be there as a freind and not lecture during a hard time.
2007-10-22 19:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by allicia w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pray about it. Ask God to take care of him and keep on praying it's all you can do :) God will answer your prayer's. And remember He would never put anybody through anything He knew they couldn't handle. So have faith in Him. God bless.
2007-10-22 19:52:50 · answer #6 · answered by Lovin' the outdoors 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best thing for you to do is pray for him..He may take it the wrong way if you confront him about what you "see, feel, know" Give little hints that if he needs you your always there....Hope all ends well...
2007-10-22 19:52:21 · answer #7 · answered by Teena 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Easy. Tell him you can see he's having a hard time, and if he ever wants to talk, you're here. Until then, keep praying for him.
TX Mom
2007-10-22 19:51:35 · answer #8 · answered by TX Mom 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
tell him to come to Christ.
even at the worst of times its hard to believe that someone can care about you or love you, but Jesus can and thats no lie.
he loves you friend, and the Lord is willing to help if your friend will let him :]
prayer is best!
and i'll be praying!
:D
2007-10-22 19:52:27 · answer #9 · answered by MWAH. 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would try to get him/her to open up. Always helps to talk to a good friend! Good luck;)
2007-10-22 19:52:27 · answer #10 · answered by mmmtarot 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋