4 Ways to Bless Your Friend This Valentine’s Day

Gracious God, my friend is in need of healing. You know her intimately and exactly what ales her. I ask that You bring forth healing if it is Your will and reveal how I can help her in this time of need. Amen.

"We will all face troubles in this life and walk through difficult seasons, maybe even some that are just too much to bear. This is when we as a body of believers can come alongside one another in love and service." (Galatians 6:2)

After my mom passed, the outpour of love truly touched my heart. It allowed me to remind myself to keep breathing because many days, I was overcome by such sorrow I found that I couldn’t catch my breath. A close friend then gently told me that anxiety can be a part of grief. Her friendship helped me navigate one of the darkest times of my life. She sent me encouraging notes, offered to help with the children, and gave hugs whenever I needed them. She was such a blessing.

If you have a sweet friend walking through some murky waters, reach out and touch base with her. Let her know she isn’t doing this alone.

Attentive listening seems to be a foreign concept these days. We have so many distractions and noises around us at any given point that our attention span has shriveled up to mere nanoseconds. At least, it appears to be that way. I, for one, can tell you I have a very hard time focusing when there is a lot of noise. 

But, when someone actually takes the time to tune all the noise out and really listen – it’s noticed! And what a blessing it is! 

When you get together with your sweet friends, be sure to bend your ear and actually tune in to what they are saying. Be intentional by placing your phone on silent or putting it away. Give her time to talk so she feels heard and validated. As difficult as it may be, try not to formulate your response (bite your tongue if you have to) and just be present. 

Present thoughtful questions and be genuine in your approach by asking how you can provide support and prayer while offering encouragement. A friend that takes the time to listen, and truly listen, will be the one that has your back in all kinds of situations. Treasure those friends!

Are you a gift giver? My sister’s love language is gifts, and I can attest to it in saying that she might quite possibly be the best “gift giver” there is. Anyone who knows her would say the same. She makes it not just about the gift but about the entire presentation. She goes a little crazy for Christmas and birthdays and even hosts a Galentine’s party with crafts for her friends to take home.

Maybe you enjoy giving and receiving gifts as well. If you have a friend who feels loved when you get her a gift, be sincere and think about what would really make her day, such as the coffee mug my sweet friend gave to me. It really is the thought behind the gift that matters to her. 

While I am not nearly as good at giving gifts as my sister, I do love when I find a gift and it immediately makes me think of a dear friend. It’s also fun to watch them light up when they receive it. It truly blesses us both! 

Well, there you have it, my friend. Go and bless your sweet friends. Shower them in love, and may you receive their blessings of love as well. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Kikovic

Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy.  Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.