“And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Mark 2:4-5

Most Christians have heard of the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man. Four friends heard about the miracles Jesus had performed and committed to carrying their paralyzed friend so that he could walk. The only way for them to present their suffering friend to Jesus was to lower him through a roof they had cut themselves.

What compassion. What love. What patience. What FAITH.

We may not all know someone who is paralyzed, but it is likely we all know someone who is struggling, whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, or spiritually. Oftentimes all it takes for them to find the light at the end of the tunnel is the compassion of a friend or a reminder of the great news we have through our relationship with Christ. Here are some ways you can help cut a hole in the roof for a friend who needs your support:

• Know how to respond when they open up to you. Thank them first and let them know that you care about them. Recognize and empathize with their struggles. 

• Ask them what you can do to help. Rather than giving your own solutions to their problems, ask what you can do for them.

• Walk alongside them throughout their journey. You may not completely understand what they’re going through, but just showing up and being there for them does more than you know.

• Pray for them. Prayers are powerful and have real life results for those we live.

• (Re)Introduce them to the Gospel of Christ. Reminding them that we have a maker who knows and loves us, who sacrificed his only son for us, who we can turn to… this can help guide them away from the distractions of our world and give them hope in our eternal life through our belief.