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When someone is stuck in an unhealthy behavior, the first step is often the hardest. It is also the most important, because it can lead them on to a whole new life. And, sometimes, we can help.
In the article on “Meeting People Where They Are,” we discussed 7 behaviors of people who are dealing with an addiction or compulsive issue in their life, and we saw how these provide insight for meeting people where they are.
These behaviors are also a tool for helping people where they are.
By encouraging someone to take the next right step, we can help them along their journey to become more aware, conscious, worthy, informed, connected, safe, and repentant.
Helping People Where They Are
Helping people where they are is an opportunity to serve someone who may be struggling. It is also a challenge, but there are things we can do to help them if they are ….
Unaware
Some people may be slow to connect the dots that something they have been doing has become a compulsive habit.
Next Right Step: With empathy, we can ask questions and add gentle perspective to help them increase their awareness.
Unconscious
People in denial need a wake-up call to face the consequences they are creating for themselves and those around them.
Next Right Step: We can help with a calm discussion of how what they are doing affects us and others to help them count the cost of their actions and understand the pain they are creating.
Unworthy
We can help someone dealing with shame by being vulnerable and encouraging with them, and letting them see that we all have issues.
Next Right Step: We can remind them of God’s character and his promises and that they have great value in God’s eyes, no matter what they have done.
Uninformed
Sometimes, people simply need education, and they may be overwhelmed by the clutter of information on the internet.
Next Right Step: We can help them find relevant and useful material that may unlock the door for them to take a positive step forward.
Unconnected
We can be an encouraging voice to urge them to reach out and find people to talk to, ideally someone who has been where they are now.
Next Right Step: We can point out how helpful it can be to talk to someone, join a support group, or see a counselor and assist them in that process.
Unsafe
As someone’s situation becomes more dangerous, we can learn more about helping others move toward safety.
Next Right Step: That starts by being supportive and showing empathy—meeting them where they are.
Next Right Step: If things get worse, we may need to talk to a professional to consider some form of intervention.
Unrepentant
We can’t fix other people. If someone won’t listen, it won’t help to preach, but we can love them and pray for them.
Next Right Step: We must also set clear and firm boundaries to protect our well-being and consider getting help for ourselves with a counselor or an Al Anon meeting.
Taking the next right step may seem simple, but for people who are struggling it can be very difficult. Hopefully, this article and the one on “Meeting People Where They Are” provided some useful ideas, and you can learn even more by also reading “Helping People Move Toward Safety.” Because there are things we can do to help others, one step at a time.
