It’s not easy losing a spouse. Or dealing with depression. Or facing down an addiction. It’s hard and painful and brutal.

But it doesn’t have to be lonely.

Christians should never have to face trials on their own. Those around them—their Christian brothers and sisters—should rise up and support them.

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Although it isn’t easy going through trials, it’s also tough being on the outside and trying to help those who are suffering.

You don’t know what to do. You’re worried about hurting their feelings or stepping on their toes or saying the exact wrong thing.

Of course you care—you love them! It isn’t that you don’t want to help—it’s just that you don’t know how.

Group’s Emergency Response Handbook will help you come alongside those in your small group who are facing tough times. From care and counseling tips, to practical ideas for your small group, to what to say and what not to say, this book offers insight after insight into how to care for the hurting.

Of course, it’d be great if you never had to pick up this book! But the reality is that everyone faces tough times—including the people in your small group. And they need your help.

So when someone you love is going through a divorce, dealing with a rebellious child, or considering suicide…it’s time to pick up this guide. Use the table of contents to find the specific hurt for which you’re caring, and then flip to that section.

Once there, you’ll find a real life narrative—a story from someone who’s been there. Sometimes they’re inspiring, and you’ll read how the support and love of a small group sustained someone through a hard time. Other times they’re disappointing and tell stories of people left alone during tragedy or rejected during trial. Either way, these stories will move you, and they’ll show you the importance of devoted friends.

Each section also includes care and counseling tips that will give you practical ideas for reaching out in love. From baking dinner, to mediating in arguments, to intentional reminiscing, these ideas will help you effectively support the hurting people in your small group.

Next, you’ll find group tips for your whole small group. These practical ideas will help your entire group support the hurting member during his or her trial.

And, finally, you’ll find an invaluable section on what to say and what not to say to your friend. The words we use can help or hurt a friend more than we know. This section will help you avoid the hurtful comments and use the helpful ones.

You’ll also find useful boxes in each section that offer Scripture help, guidelines for referring your friend to a professional counselor, and additional resources, such as books and Web sites, that you can use as you support your hurting friend.

Our prayer for this book is that it will help you help a friend during a difficult time.

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4).