Encourage those with health problems with your words (10 mins.)
We all recognize that these times are becoming increasingly difficult, especially when we see how diseases are on the rise every day. Some have been with us for years, for centuries; others are relatively new, and sometimes we don't know how to deal with them.
Some affect the body, but others, on the other hand, affect the mind. Did you know that, according to recent reports, cases of depression and anxiety have increased by more than 25% in recent years worldwide? That represents approximately 300 million people currently suffering from depression.
And this has been a blow not only to healthcare systems and healthcare professionals, but also to millions of families. People who have to care for someone sometimes find their way of acting or thinking confusing. Some of those experiencing these mental health situations don't express it easily, and family members may think it's simply neglect on their part or even a lack of interest in themselves.
But the reality is that these people are struggling inside. You may live with someone who's going through this, or you may be that person.
Therefore, let's reflect on how we can use our words to encourage and comfort those who are emotionally or physically ill. We'll do so through three very valuable biblical tips.
Let's examine this first tip:
When you speak, let yourself be guided by God's wisdom.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 18:4
"The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The spring of wisdom is a gushing stream."
What a beautiful image. Our words can be like a refreshing stream: something that soothes, cleanses, uplifts, and strengthens. But they can also hurt.
Another Bible verse, Proverbs 12:18, says that thoughtless words can be like the blows of a sword. If we put these two verses together, they teach us something: think before you speak.
Let's think about what we say, how we say it, and, above all, how it will be received by the person suffering. The same text from Proverbs 18:4 says that "the fountain of wisdom is a gushing stream."
We recognize that we are not wise and that sometimes we say things without thinking; things that, while we believe they will encourage others, actually crush the person listening.
So that refreshing wisdom does not come from us, but from the knowledge of Jehovah.
When these words come from there, then our words will not be superficial or empty, but will be that stream of which Proverbs speaks, healing, encouraging, life-giving words.
Perhaps we can think of a sick spouse, and every day is a challenge. How important it is that your words not only say "I love you," but convey it with tenderness, patience, and understanding. As Proverbs said, we must remember that our words have the power to hurt or to heal.
Our goal is to encourage and heal those who are going through a difficult situation. This brings us to the second point: to encourage those with health problems with our words:
Try to put yourself in the person's shoes.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 18:13
"Responding to an issue before hearing the facts is foolish and humiliating."
And, honestly, how many times have we spoken without really listening? It's worth noting that listening is one of the most powerful ways to show love.
When someone is suffering, whether from a physical, mental, or emotional illness, they often don't need a response from us. All they need is to be heard. Maybe they just want to vent, cry in front of us, or simply feel supported.
But we can also make a mistake: saying things like, "That will pass," or "Others are worse off than you," or even "I understand what you're going through," when perhaps we haven't been through a situation like that ourselves, and we confuse our expressions.
How different it is to say something like, "I don't know what you're going through, but I'm here for you." That sincerity and empathy can touch the heart deeply. Therefore, if possible, to try to understand the situation—why they react the way they do, why they say things the way they do—it's good to do a little research about the illness, whether it's our brother, sister, husband, wife, or a relative's.
When we try to understand what they are experiencing, we can be more accurate in our words, wiser in our comments.
On one occasion, when an older sister was changing things and saying things that weren't true, instead of correcting her, the doctor advised: "If she says it's daytime, tell her it's daytime, even if it's nighttime." Try to show empathy, don't contradict, and don't further damage her mental health.
And it's also important to act by asking the right questions. Instead of saying, "Let me know if I can help you with anything?", it's better to suggest, "Would you like me to go with you to the doctor?" "Shall I help you with the shopping?" As Galatians 6:2 says, we should bear one another's burdens, and in this way we demonstrate true love.
Let's look at the third point to encourage those with health problems with our words:
Be a patient and understanding friend.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 18:24
"There are comrades ready to tear each other apart, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
In times of illness, a friend who sticks closer than a brother is a blessing from Jehovah. We can be that kind of friend if we put our minds to it. The apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:14: “Comfort those who are depressed.”
These distressed brothers and sisters need constant love, emotional support, someone to remember them, to call them, to tell them, "I'm here with you." They need to see that we've been with them not only in moments of joy, but also when they're weak, silent, confused, or even when they reject us.
In the activity guide, we see the image of a married couple. Perhaps, in your case, your wife is no longer the same since she became ill; she has lost her joy due to mental illness, is depressed, or distressed. It's not easy, we acknowledge that. But your love, your patience, your kind words, your faithfulness can be a true reflection of Jehovah's love for that person.
If this is your case, if you are caring for someone with these conditions and feel you can't go on, don't forget that Jehovah sees your efforts. He will sustain you, guide you, and give you strength when you no longer have it.
As we have seen, our words can be more than just sounds: they can be a balm, a bridge, an invisible hug for someone who needs it so much.
Let us continue to encourage others, care for them, and remember that sometimes a single word spoken in love can heal a deep wound.
You can be an instrument of Jehovah’s comfort.
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