Romans 12:15 (NLT)
When others are happy, be happy with them.
If they are sad, share their sorrow.

DO THE FOLLOWING:
Pray for strength and wisdom before you meet the person.
Meet face to face whenever possible.
Be genuine.
Be a good listener.
Focus on their need.
Encourage them to express their feelings.
Learn about the problem.
Concentrate on one thing at a time.
Remind them of the Father’s love and power.
Recall God’s faithfulness in the past.
Reflect on Christ’s example.
Claim the promises of God.
Bind the devil and the demons if necessary.
Apply God’s Word, i.e. read an appropriate verse or text together.
Help them find God’s forgiveness if they are suffering because of sin.
Assure them of your prayers.
Ask the Holy Spirit to comfort and care for the person.
When it’s appropriate, hold their hand or give them a hug.
Pray for them and with them.
Stay in contact.

DON’T DO THE FOLLOWING:
Don’t focus on your inadequacies.
Don’t condemn their emotions.
Don’t try to help in your own strength, i.e. rely on the Holy Spirit.
Don’t say, "You know what you should do."
Don’t pretend you never struggle.
Don’t look for a quick fix.
Don’t treat them in any way you wouldn’t like to be treated.
Don’t forget that God is the Great Physician.
Don’t break a confidence.
Don’t rush the healing process.

A PRIORITY:
The healing process is best accomplished within the context of community. Encourage the person in pain to reach out to friends, family, a Christian Small Group, mature believers, and when necessary, a professional counsellor, pastor or medical practitioner.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one . . . If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble . . . A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.