L.O.V.E.: Writing Encouraging Cards

Sometimes it is difficult to know what to say in a card to a friend who is struggling with a trial. What are some ways we can use words to encourage others?

It seems as if more and more people are struggling with serious health trials—cancer, Lyme disease and heart issues, to name a few. Trials know no bounds—anyone can be affected at any time. Sometimes we can feel helpless when we see or hear about the suffering of our fellow brethren. We want to be of assistance, but don’t always know how. Meanwhile, our brethren may feel lonely and isolated in the midst of trials, especially when those trials last months or years. How can we encourage those afflicted with severe illness and loss? 

Cards of encouragement

Sending cards of support is one way to show our love and care! But how many of us find it difficult to know what to write? There is no script to use, and everyone’s preferences differ. However, let’s look at the acronym “LOVE” for some ideas on what may be helpful to include:

1. Learn some facts about the illness or loss. Doing this can give us greater empathy into the circumstances and guide us in what to say. Knowledge is power! For example, it can be discouraging for those with a chronic illness to read, “Hope you are feeling much better,” because they are doing everything they can to feel better but are unable. If we know that the condition is serious and long-term, we’ll find it more helpful to say, “You are loved and remembered in my prayers!” or “May God grant you His love and mercy!” Having a better understanding of what our brethren are dealing with can give us some ideas on what to write to them and where they may need encouragement. Of course, this does not mean we should try to give medical advice. (That is the last thing a person needs in a card!) But learning about what they are dealing with can help us show genuine concern and care.
2. Offer support and assistance, whether physical or emotional. If we are close by, we can offer to bring meals, clean or run errands. If we’re writing from a distance, we can offer to be a listening ear when they need someone to talk to. (If you are called, make sure you listen with genuine concern and without judgment. Respond with supportive words such as “I’m sorry to hear how hard this is” or “It must be so hard to deal with that.” Sometimes it helps to know that someone cares enough to listen without trying to give answers.) Asking “What can I do to help?” or saying “Know that I am here if there is anything I can do to support you” can also be encouraging.
3. Voice your concerns through prayer. If you’re aware of specific needs, then let the person know you will be or have been praying about it. Share that you are going to God earnestly in prayer and that He hears and answers.
4. Encouraging scriptures. Write out verses—scriptures that show God is always with us, guiding us, carrying us in difficult times and providing us with the hope we can have for the future. Isaiah 41:10 is a good example of an encouraging scripture to share: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

It takes dedication, work and thought to regularly prepare and send cards of encouragement and support to our brethren. But it is worth it and is one way we can fulfill the admonition to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Shannon Foster, a school counselor, attends the Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio, congregation with her husband, Eddie. Shannon wrote this blog with the assistance of Jolene Gonzales, who attends the Akron/Canton, Ohio, congregation. Jolene’s husband Andy (also a member) suffers from Lyme disease.