Crisis Intervention is Simply BE KIND
Crisis intervention often sounds intimidating. It conjures images of chaos, fear, and high-stress situations. But at its core, crisis intervention is simply about being kind.
Fear is a natural response to crisis and uncertainty. The “What ifs” can quickly consume our thoughts and paralyze us from taking action. Always consider your safety and the safety of others first. But if God calls you to help someone in crisis, don’t let fear stop you.
Remember this:
F.E.A.R. = False Evidence Appearing Real
There’s nothing wrong with feeling afraid—it can be a healthy stressor. But when fear overwhelms, it becomes a destructive force. God wired us to have stress responses, but He also calls us to faith. In those fearful moments, let your heart be filled with faith. Trust God in the midst of your fears and glorify Him through your actions.
From Fear to Faith
A powerful example of overcoming fear through faith is found in the account of Gideon.
Gideon was a young man hiding in fear when God called him. Israel was under oppression from the Midianites. In Judges 6:11, we find Gideon hiding behind a winepress, overwhelmed by the situation around him. On top of the external threat, spiritual decay plagued Israel. His father even had a shrine to Baal in their backyard (Judges 6:25).
God Sees Beyond the Fear
Despite this, God called Gideon with these surprising words:
“The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.” – Judges 6:12
It seems almost absurd to call someone so fearful a mighty man of valor. But that’s how God works. He sees what we will become, not just what we are.
Gideon doubted. He questioned God’s presence and the miracles of old (Judges 6:13). Yet God responded—not with rebuke, but with kindness and affirmation. This moment reminds us: kindness can change a mindset.
The Power of Peace
When Gideon finally responded with obedience and offered a sacrifice, something incredible happened. Fire sprang from the rock and consumed it—a sign of God’s presence. Gideon was terrified, but God said:
“Peace to you. Do not fear.” – Judges 6:23
The Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, means more than calm. It speaks of wholeness, completeness, and well-being. In response, Gideon built an altar and called it Jehovah Shalom—“The Lord is our Wholeness” (Judges 6:24).
Peace dispels fear. God brings peace not just to situations, but to souls. When we speak words of life and hope, we reflect His heart—and help restore stability and purpose in others.
Bringing Hope, Help, and Healing
God’s kindness to Gideon models how we are to respond to others in crisis. We can either let fear stop us—or respond with obedience and faith.
As crisis interventionists, our job is simple: BE KIND.
That kindness might look like:
A listening ear
A gentle words of life and light
A silent prayer
A practical presence
A message of hope
These seemingly small acts can help someone take the next step toward healing. You don’t need a grand platform. You just need to show up with love.
Gideon’s Victory: God’s Power Through Faith
So what happened to Gideon?
The man who once hid in fear became the leader of a miraculous account of victory. With just 300 warriors, he defeated an army of 135,000 Midianites. The odds? 400 to 1.
God intentionally reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300 so there’d be no doubt: The battle belonged to God.
“The Lord turned the tide with 300 warriors.” – Judges 7:6
This victory reminds us that it’s not about our qualifications or strength. It’s about obedience and trust. When we step out in faith, God steps in with power.
You May Be the One
You might feel small, unqualified, or overwhelmed to help someone in crisis. You might feel like Gideon, hiding from the battle. But God sees your potential.
You may be the one person that someone in crisis needs. You may be the one who helps turn the corner toward healing and restoration. Like Gideon, you don’t need to be fearless—you just need to be willing.
Let God work through you. Let His love flow from you. Speak His words of peace and purpose.
A Call to Wholeness
Ultimately, crisis intervention is about restoration. Just as God brought wholeness to Gideon’s life, He desires to bring wholeness to others—through you.
Be a crisis interventionist of peace. Speak words of affirmation, restoration, and love. Model God’s compassion and courage.
In every crisis, pray.
Whether you’re called to speak boldly or offer a quiet whisper of encouragement—God will use it. Stand firm in faith. Trust in His power. Know that He is always ready to fight for you.
You are not alone. And neither are they.
Be kind. Be present. Be available.
That is what true crisis intervention looks like.
“The Lord is with you, O mighty warrior.” – Judges 6:12
Let that be your call. We have the opportunity to intervene, and we have the power to intercede on behalf of those suffering.
Pray with me:
Dear Lord,
Thank you that you go before us. You give us the confidence to know next steps of faith. We can trust You to work in us despite our own doubts. Help us to remain faithful and to show your kindness to help someone in crisis. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen
