This is a short and practical book, useful to anyone who has ever wondered if there is more they can do to support their friends who are suffering.
The first part outlines some of the acute sufferings which the authors have experienced, and they include things that were (or were not!) helpful to them during this time. This section was an eyeopener as to how two people facing the same situation (e.g. infertility) can struggle in different ways. The second part goes through seven things that we can do to support those who are suffering.
I found this book helpful: it challenged me to be more ready to get alongside those who are suffering and to get involved. It’s easy to think, ‘I don’t know what to say, so I won’t say anything in case I make it worse’ – when that can make our friends feel more isolated.
Helping the Suffering is full of biblical wisdom applied practically through the authors’ real life experience. I hope I’ll be better able to support and care for those I meet who are in need, and point them ultimately to Christ, as this book does.
