205 - 4 Ways to Help When the Holidays Hurt

What if the greatest gift we could give this holiday season isn’t wrapped in paper but offered through presence, compassion, and awareness?

While the world rushes toward celebration, many quietly carry heartache, loss, or financial strain. In this episode, John invites us to slow down, open our eyes, and become the hands and feet of encouragement for those who are hurting.

Together, we’ll learn how faithful awareness and small acts of kindness can bring hope, restore joy, and reflect God’s love in a season that isn’t always easy for everyone.

In this episode, John discusses:

• Why the holidays can be a time of both celebration and hidden hurt
• The importance of spiritual endurance amid trials (James 1:2–4)
• How awareness becomes a spiritual muscle that grows through intentional action
• Four practical ways to bring comfort and hope to others during the holidays

Key Takeaways:

• True joy isn’t the absence of hardship—it’s the presence of God’s peace and purpose in the middle of it.
• Awareness is more than observation; it’s a spiritual discipline that helps us see people the way Jesus does.
• Small, faithful acts—buying a meal, offering a kind word, or simply listening—can lift heavy burdens and remind others they’re not forgotten.
• Stewardship is not only about managing money well; it’s about using all we have—our time, influence, and attention—to reflect God’s heart.

“Joy never runs out when you give it away. The more you steward it, the more it grows in you and through you into the world.”

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