FaithPulseShepherd Guard · For the person they trust
Someone trusts you with this.
A friend chose you as the one person they can text when temptation is close. Shepherd Guard never sends you reports about them. You'll only hear from them when they could use encouragement. Here's how to be good at it, in under a minute.
When the text comes
- Answer fast. Short is fine.“I'm here. Praying for you right now.” Speed matters more than the right words. The hard part lasts minutes.
- Don't ask what it was.They chose Guard so nobody has to watch them. You're there for the moment, not the details. If they want to tell you, they will.
- Pray, then point forward.Pray for them, even in one line by text. Then give them something for the next ten minutes: “Put the phone in another room and call me.”
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.GALATIANS 6:2 · BSB
Say this, not that
Say
“Proud of you for reaching out.”
“God is faithful. There's a way out of this one too.”
“Want me to call?”
Not
“What were you looking at?”
“How many times is this?”
Nothing until morning.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 · BSB
A prayer you can send
If they slip
Grace first. They didn't fail you, and you don't have to become their judge. Remind them what's true, keep showing up, and encourage them to talk with their pastor if it's a pattern they can't break.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 JOHN 1:9 · BSB
If they ever say they might hurt themselves, call or text 988 with them, any time.
For your own walk
Being someone's person is easier when you're being formed too. FaithPulse carries Sunday's sermon into your week, with Shepherd to help you understand what you read.