We all go through those times in our lives when we struggle, those times when nothing goes right, those times when we are stressed, or depressed, or face loss or hard situations. We also all experience times when our best friends are experiencing these feelings, and that can be just as hard on us. We do not like to see the people that we care about hurting, because we love and care about them.

It is really hard to know what to say to someone, or do for someone when they are hurting. Here are a few simple and comforting ideas.

1. I'm here

Just reassuring them that you are there and that they are not alone can go a long way. No one should go through life alone, so make sure that your loved ones know that, especially in their time of need. They do not need to deal with their problems by themselves.

2. I want to listen

It is easier to share what is bothering you when you know that someone wants to listen. People tend to keep things to themselves because they do not want to bother other people with their problems. If your friends know that you want to listen, they will share with you more, making it easier for them to find healing and you to be able to help them.

3. Let me help if I can

Let them know that you are willing to go out of your way to help them fix the problem. Do not let them feel like a burden to you, because they aren't. Make sure that your struggling loved one always knows that you are helping because you want to, not because you feel like you have to.

4. God will bring you through this

There is nothing that God can't get you through, so reminding them that it will get better can give them hope. There are some problems that we face in life that just seem to be too big to be handled by people, but those problems are no problem for God. Remind them that JHe is a God of love, a God of healing, and a God of miracles, and no problem is too big for Him.

5. Nothing

Sometimes saying nothing is the biggest help that you can offer. Just be there. Hug them, hold them, cry with them, just be present with them and let them feel your love for them. Do fun things that take their mind off of the problem for awhile. Get some food. See a movie. Take a long drive and listen to some good music. Just spend the day focused on the person and the things that they love to do. The gifts of your time and attention can make all the difference.