November 11, 2022

Our Wednesday Adult Faith Development lesson bears witness to Thursday's Daily Bread Devotional. At the heart of both was the value of friendship. We all will experience difficult periods in our lives; some are more stressful than others. But having a friend to pour out our hearts to can be a like a pressure release valve.

However, if not careful, the added weight can be added to the one who is burdened by a lack of sensitivity and sympathy. Listening more than giving advice is perhaps the best way to help. We must remember to put ourselves in their shoes.

God’s Word for today reminds us that we are not exempt from times of anxiety, mental stress, or depression. The phrase “take heed” is a warning against unconcern and downplaying issues of those who seek us out for consoling and counseling. We are there to be a listening, comforting ear, not a tongue of rebuking criticism.