I was asked by a reader to write a bit about using the words, “God loves you,” to those in great need. The words can sound hollow and callous to someone in the middle of deep suffering who doesn’t understand what the words mean.
When a neighbor is suffering, the healing demand is to help that person feel God’s love, which may not be apparent to them at all.
A person that believes matter is reality, and God should be manipulating matter for their personal gain, could get very angry if you say, “God loves you.” They may reply, “Then where is God now? Why did he allow this disaster to happen in my life?”
A key to helping them is to understand that God is not in that darkness, nor did God do anything to create that darkness. God is the light that dispels the darkness. God’s love is present to show that person a way out of their crisis to a better place. And your goal, as a neighbor who cares, is to help them find the light that leads the way out.
So, be wise when deciding what words to say to a person in the middle of a crisis. Ask yourself, “What are they ready to hear that has a positive impact on their perspective?” Your goal is for them to feel God’s love, not just hear about it. Words are not enough. It’s what comes from the heart that penetrates their fear and directs thought in a healing direction.
God does love everyone. Like the sun shines unconditionally upon one and all, God’s love showers over one and all unconditionally as well. But as with light, we need to open our eyes to see it. When in crisis, as thought opens to God’s love ever at hand, it finds it.
When striving to help a neighbor, pray for discernment on how best to open their eyes to the love of God that is present to save them from their crisis. The right words and actions will come.
“God loves you,” are words that are easy to say, but often misunderstood.
Thank you, Evan yes, God will always give us the words. I like to tell people God is the strongest deliverer . He will save you ! He is greater than any problem!
Very helpful message Evan. These ideas how to help others through our listening on how best to help another in crisis works beautifully when I work in my Reading Room. And theses ideas are the most loving ways when attempting to help others understand how much God loves them as Her children.
Thank you
Thank you, Evan
Wonderful ideas, Evan! Praying for discernment is super important. Sometimes just being a calm, caring presence, offering needed aid, can be a great first step. Actions often speak louder than words, and our knowing the truth about a situation can be felt in the midst of giving loving and practical assistance. That then may lead to questions about the “Great Universal Spirit” of Love comforting and strengthening our lives. [The inspirational writer Anne Lamott uses that phrase which she names “Gus” when talking to people who may shy away from the term God.]
Thank you, Sharon, for pointing out the helpfulness of actions when we may not have the words right at the moment to ease and calm someone in need. As Evan reminds us, too, we can listen to hear what those actions are and follow Love’s lead.
Thank you Evan for this , words are not always helpful. Praying for discernment is the right way to go. Sometimes all we need is a big hug. Xxx
Thank you, Allison, thank you, Evan, thanks to all SV. I certainly have to be sure to sink my thoughts and actions, to bring and provoke a result.
On a day like today, when worldly and family issues weigh heavily, I take heart in praying for those close to me to “discern” their right of protection. And for myself too, as I give practical and loving attention to comfort and assist. Your sharing is a blessed reminder in these times of frightening spectres around us from many sources.
In case you missed it, on February 6, KH attached an excellent article:
“Treat yourself” by Doris Edington, from the March 11, 2013 issue of The Christian Science Sentinel:
https://sentinel.christianscience.com/shared/view/1obwstugz4?s=copylink
Great topic Evan, and very helpful responses. For me, most family and friends see God as being anthropomorphic. Everyone has their own belief system, and so it might be presumptuous for me to say that “God loves you”. Since we are God’s expression, we can express love, whether it’s with a big hug, as Alison mentioned, being a listening ear, or even giving a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. I had a next door neighbor who would drop off delicious chocolate chip cookies. I always remember the love associated with that act of kindness.
Wonderful article…very helpful!
Dear J, I want to sincerely and deeply thank you for all of the wonderful articles you suggest. I find this one “Treat Yourself” particularly helpful. Thank you again.
I’m so glad you found the article helpful Katherine Finnigan. I did too, and am so grateful that KH shared it with us.
I awoke this morning with this very thought! How just telling someone “God Loves you” isn’t a generic cure-all!! Then pondering what could take the place of mere words. And, here it is! God is absolutely the guiding light for those of us receptive enough to receive it.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13
“Desire is prayer: and no loss can occur from trusting God with all your desires.” SH p.1
“Step by step will those who trust Him find that ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble'”.
SH p. 444
This citation from the Bible comes to mind:
‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (II Corinthians 1:3, 4)
This says to me that we reflect God’s comfort – the way Christ Jesus comforted and healed. The ability to comfort is not a personal attribute, but we naturally include it, and find what we need to say or do wherever it is needed.
I think most persons believe that matter is “reality”. This seems to be the
premise to change in our thought, in trying to demonstrate our True identity
in seeing it ourselves -as in – loving ourselves and reflecting that Love to others.
Seeing all as spiritual and spiritually expressing qualities that are not “seen”
through the mortal senses, but are Divinely with us, like when someone passes
from this stage of existence ( so-called death) into where only spiritual qualities
remain that they had shared and continue to, with us, such as genuine
kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, gentleness, generosity with their
thoughts and actions. These qualities (from a Loving God – God IS Love)
are not seen through the mortal-matter, but are Felt through the heart’s
ever present harmony. It is that “still, small voice” that we don’t always
listen to, that comforts as God/Love comforts, no matter … what we
seem to be going through.
Thanks Evan, good ideas, suggesions, angel thoughts!
Thankyou Evan for this Awakening I’ve also wondered how to express God’s love for our neighbors . where I was saying words and trying to explain God’s love for them. this helps me to get me out of the way and let God give me what I need to know. Thankyou!
Thank you Evan and all. This is so helpful .:)
What a brautifull article J. It brought tears when I reas the end. Thank you so much for the link!
This just changed my life have felt that way for soooo long thank you!!!!!
Mary Baker Eddy councels to “Emerge gently from matter into Spirit” . By expressing the qualities of God that we know we can impart, our actions can be very powerful in showing the love of God and that His love is present and available to all.