I read recently that when trying to help someone in difficulty, it’s better not to turn to scriptures too quickly. Does that surprise you, it surprised me!
They said that this is because “people in difficulty that don’t really care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
So whoever you are trying to help, make sure you show your compassion and concern for them and show you understand their difficulties, before attempting to give them any kind of biblical perspective on their situation. I.e. understand how the person feels, empathise with them because this can be just as encouraging to someone knowing someone else understands their feelings, than to immediately offer them advice or guidance.
So when trying to help someone, don’t offer advice and guidance immediately, but instead offer understanding and empathy.
The Distinct Dot 
Makes total sense. Yes, the scriptures are powerful and life giving and will speak to receptive hearts, but in the early stages of grief or struggle, people want a listening ear and practical care more than platitudes or formulas.
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