When someone you care about is facing an illness, whether it’s their own or affecting someone close to them, it can be hard to know how to help. It’s normal to feel helpless in that situation, but there are some things you can do to show your support when a friend is really sick.
Be available in practical ways. Bring meals or a restaurant gift card, offer to run errands or provide childcare, or drop by to help with cleaning or laundry. These may seem like small gestures, but they can be powerful expressions of care to someone dealing with physical illness.
Offer emotional support. Call or text just to let them know you’re thinking of them and praying for them. Send them notes with encouraging Bible verses. Tell them you’re available if they want to talk, or pray, or cry with you.
Allow them to be authentic. It’s likely they need someone to be honest with about what they’re going through. It may not always be pretty, but if they know they can be real with you, they’ll have a better sense of your support.
It’s tough to see someone you care about go through a time of suffering. Allow God to comfort you just as you offer support and comfort to your sick loved one (2 Corinthians 1:2-7).
