A Call to Action: BE KIND
Every person, at some point, will be confronted with the urgent need to intervene in someone’s life—whether that person is facing harm, despair, or the overwhelming possibility of death. God calls us to step in with kindness, to intervene when hope feels lost, and to be the hands and feet of His love and healing in moments of crisis.
Too often, we refer others to God in times of struggle, and that’s right to do—but God also calls us to actively participate in the restoration process. He invites us to partner with Him. We are called to be more than bystanders. We are called to be crisis interventionists—carriers of kindness, hope, and healing.
Kindness Brings Hope
Too often, we view crisis intervention as something reserved for professionals. But in truth, anyone willing to respond with kindness can make a life-changing difference.
When we learn how to respond in crisis, we aren’t just helping others—we are helping ourselves to love, serve, and reflect the heart of God. Kindness, when practiced intentionally, becomes a healing force. The account of Lazarus is a great picture of how God wants us to partner with Him in bringing hope, help, and healing to those in crisis.
Lazarus and the Grave Clothes
In John 11, Jesus performs one of His most powerful miracles. Notice how Jesus’ first command, “Lazarus, come out,” was specific—Jesus called Lazarus by name. Had He not, others who were dead might have risen, too. Imagine layers that bound Lazarus tightly.
But what often goes unnoticed is the second part of this account.
“Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’” – John 11:44
Jesus didn’t remove the grave clothes Himself. Instead, He invited others to participate in the work of restoration.
Why? Because this wasn’t just a physical miracle. It was a model.
The obedience of those who began unraveling Lazarus from his grave clothes is like removing hopelessness and despondency. It’s a picture of how we’re called to walk alongside people in their pain—to help them remove the grave clothes of fear, shame, guilt, and despair. The miracle of a resurrected life was Jesus’ alone to give, but the process of restoration? That involved community.
Helping the Spiritually Bound
Lazarus was alive—but still bound.
Likewise, many today walk around alive on the outside but dying on the inside. They're buried beneath layers of emotional pain, trauma, depression, or suicidal thoughts. They need help. And God calls us to be part of that help.
Imagine the emotions of those first responders—those who stepped forward to unwrap Lazarus. They heard his breath, felt the warmth return to his body, and witnessed a miracle in real time. It wasn’t glamorous. It was messy, maybe even frightening. This act of removing the grave clothes, though challenging and uncomfortable circumstances was sacred.
The Ministry of Presence
In today’s world, we meet people every day who are bound in invisible grave clothes. Whether from mental illness, grief, trauma, or in suffering silence, they feel stuck. And while not every one of us is a licensed therapist or a medical professional, we can offer a practical presence.
Someone in crisis may just need:
A gentle word
A listening ear
A prayer offered in faith
A willingness to sit in silence
A reminder that they are seen and loved
This is not only practical but a ministry of presence. As crisis interventionists, we may be the first ones to reach out, or we may be the person who leads them to the next step in their healing journey. To save a life is sacred and powerful. And it's within reach for all of us.
Becoming a “Repairer of the Breach”
The prophet Isaiah offers a vision of KINDNESS a “repairer of the breach” in Isaiah 58:10–12:
“If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness… You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.”
What a powerful image. We get to stand in the gap. We get to be restorers. That’s exactly what a crisis interventionist does. As believers, we not only have the opportunity to intervene, we have the power to intercede.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
Today, mental illness contributes to 90% of suicide deaths. The remaining 10% remain mysterious. What’s certain is that suicide leaves behind pain, unanswered questions, and grief.
While we may not eliminate every crisis, we can reduce suicide ideation. We can recognize the signs. We can train ourselves to respond with kindness. We can all be a part of this work to offer hope. Crisis intervention is simply kindness—it is for anyone who is willing to respond with a ministry of presence, empathy, and grace. Every person who is suffering deserves to be seen, heard, and understood. Every person needs to know that they matter. You may be the one to offer the first spark of hope in someone’s life, even if you don’t have all the answers. Sometimes, your presence or even your silence can provide the comfort someone desperately needs. In areas where professional counseling may not be immediately accessible, you may be the first person someone turns to. And that moment matters.
Crisis Intervention is Simply Kindness
You don’t need a degree or formal training to start making a difference. Crisis intervention often begins with a simple decision:
“BE KIND”
In a world where pain often feels overwhelming, and where death can seem like the only escape, we are called to be a beacon of hope. We must rise to the occasion—offering compassionate intervention, grounded in the love and kindness of God.
We are not called to be fixers but helpers to lead to the next level of safety: Healing.
Called to Participate in Healing
As we learn to reflect God’s kindness, we become more attuned to those around us who are hurting. And when the opportunity arises, we can step in as agents of change.
Just as those around Lazarus helped restore him, we can help remove the layers that hold people back from fully living. Shame. Despair. Isolation. Fear. These are the grave clothes we’re called to help remove.
Conclusion: Step Into the Calling
God is still calling people out of tombs. And He’s still asking others to help unwrap them.
Let’s commit to learning how to intervene in crisis, God’s way. Let’s train ourselves in kindness. Let’s walk with people in their darkest hours. Let’s be the first spark of hope someone needs to keep going.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You just have to be willing to say: “I’ll help remove the grave clothes.”
Prayer:
Gracious Lord,
You called me out and you brought people into my life to unravel my past that bound me. Help me to become a helper to someone else who is going through challenges and difficulties in life. Give me the wisdom to know how to intervene. Help me to pray specifically for their needs. Help me not to give them solutions but help them to come up with their resolve.
Give me eyes to see and words of life and light to speak. Help me know how I can refresh someone who has been bound and show me how I can assist to set them free.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
