5 people you need when you're going through a hard time

Because you can't hold it all in.

• • •

1. The person who does not tolerate gossip.

                           

Not only do they refuse to participate in negative conversations, they won't let you either. 

Sometimes when we vent about what we're going through, we get caught up in the hype. What was once just "blowing off some steam" turns into a full on session of bashing the one who hurt you.

The person who doesn't gossip will get you back on track when your words no longer glorify God. But don't worry, they will do it in the most loving way possible.

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
[Ephesians 4:29]


2. The person who will disagree with you.

Eh, not so much.

When you're wrong...and you can be (total shocker I know) it is crucial to have someone who is comfortable letting you know. If you confide in a friend who agrees with 100% of what you say, they might neglect the truth just to reassure you.

Warning, the person who disagrees with you can be somewhat tough to accept. At first, they come off as a complete and utter traitor.

But the fact is they love you enough to tell you the truth.

But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head -- Christ.
[Ephesians 4:15]

3. The person who is not condemning. 

This person doesn't want you to feel bad for what you're going through.  Your convictions will lead you to repentance, not their shaming.

They won't switch up on you when the going gets tough.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
[Romans 8:1]


4. The person who knows you.

Not just someone you know, but someone who really, really knows you. This person may be a close or longtime friend or a family member, especially a parent.

If you run to a stranger to share your problems, their advice will only be based on what you tell them about the situation. However, someone who knows you can also assess the situation based on your tendencies, preferences and even your dreams.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
[James 5:16]


5. The person who prays.

This person's biggest agenda is to bring your situation before the Father. They want to contend on your behalf. They have witnessed firsthand the power of prayer and they pray like they believe it works.

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me
[Romans 15:30]


Who's your go-to person after Jesus?