The Broken                                                                         Merilee Ottoson

Have you noticed someone who seems “broken”?? They may be your friend, acquaintance or even a relative. As you spend time with them, you become aware that something is really “missing” or “off”. Perhaps it seems as though they just can’t “get it together” or they seem to make the wrong choices …consistently. How can we speak words that help rebuild the torn down places in others? There are a few things I think we can do to help those who WANT our help. Yes, I said, those who WANT our help.

>>Offer our help with humility….not assuming that we have all the answers…..”In humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Phil. 2:3

>>Ask God to open our eyes to see their needs----which may be different than they appear.

>> Speak words of advice as the Lord leads us. “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the proper time.” Prov. 25:11

>>ALLOW them to talk. Instead of offering our opinions and life experiences, we would do well to allow them to tell us theirs.

>> It is better NOT to aproach them with the goal of “fixing them”. Let God be God! We like to be fixers…..sometimes to the detriment of others!!

>>Prayer support---always offer to pray with them or for them. God and His Word hold the answers they need.

>>Offer to help them find a church or Bible study where they will hear God’s Word and have an opportunilty to grow in Him.

Their brokenness did not occur in an instant-----and most likely the cure will not occur that way either. If at all possible, remain as one of their friends/contacts. You may very well be the only source of Christian encouragement they have!

       “Be the reason

                     someone feels welcomed, seen, heard,

                       valued, loved”

                                                                          --Toby Mac