Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

We’ve all said it and meant it. But it’s just not really helpful.

“Let me know if you need anything.” It’s the standard thing we all offer when someone is hurting. We care and we don’t know what else to say or do.

Anna Quinlan wanted to support a hurting friend in a way that felt valuable. And so, she texted her friend a multiple choice offer:

“‘Checking on you. Please choose from the following,’ the text read. ‘1. I pick your kids up any time after 3:30 today & show them a good time through dinner (which would be at Chick-fil-A, obvi, & would include takeout brought back for you). 2. I send DoorDash dinner of your choice to you (This offer is valid any day this week. Also next week.) 3. I have to go to Target today, I can pick up anything you need & drop it on your doorstep & not talk to you at all. 4. I can send prayers & good vibes & you can politely decline any tangible services at this time.'”[1]

Anna’s friend responded with a picture of her last remaining roll of toilet paper. Later that afternoon more toilet paper was at her front door. He friend said, “She gave me something tangible to grab onto, without the emotional fatigue of trying to think of what I needed.”

Scripture says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). We can all give a bit more thought to what we have to give. Let’s go beyond “Let me know if you need anything.”

[1] TodayShow. “Viral Post Shows What Friendship after Miscarriage Looks Like.” TODAY.com, TODAY, 25 Oct. 2021, www.shorturl.at/bBGKR.