How can we best help a friend who has been hit with bad news? Can it be as simple as a dust rag, furniture polish, and a prayerful heart?

    As words of pain oozed from the lips of her friend Jenny, Mayo Mathers felt utterly helpless. She didn’t know what to do! Jenny had just heard her husband was committing adultery. Her heart was breaking.

    The next morning, Mayo went to see Jenny again. As they sat at the kitchen table, the doorbell rang. A neighbor arrived with a dust rag and furniture polish. She quietly went to work, tackling a chore that Jenny hated to do. She prayed for her friend while dusting the furniture.

    What a beautiful example of reflecting God’s love for the hurting in very tangible ways. Thankfully, Jenny and her husband reconciled. The healing of their marriage was directly related to friends who offered spiritual and physical support.

    Who do you know that is hurting right now? They may be going through a divorce. They may have lost a loved one. Perhaps they’re suffering from depression.

    Too often we tell the the grieving friend, “If there's anything I can do, just let me know.” Please avoid that cliche. Instead, do some tangible form of service for your friend—like the lady with the dust rag. Take them a meal. Drop by for a visit. Remember how important human touch is to God. He came to us in human form through His only Son. Those of us rescued from sin by Jesus Chrsit are called to love the world as God loved us. Ask Him to show you today who in your life needs a dust rag and a prayer.