Side by Side

Practical Guidance for Loving Others Well

Everyone needs help from time to time, especially in the midst of painful circumstances and difficult trials. In this short book, a highly respected biblical counselor and successful author offers practical guidance for all Christians—pastors and laypeople alike—who want to develop their "helping skills" when it comes to walking alongside hurting people.

Written out of the conviction that friends are the best helpers, this accessible introduction to biblical counseling will equip believers to share their burdens with one another through gentle words of wisdom and kind acts of love. This book is written for those eager to see God use ordinary relationships and conversations between ordinary Christians to work extraordinary miracles in the lives of his people.

1. Opening Credits
2. Introduction: Side by Side: Needy and Needed
3. Part 1: We Are Needy
4. Chapter 1: Life is Hard
5. Chapter 2: Our Hearts Are Busy
6. Chapter 3: Hard Circumstances Meet Busy Hearts
7. Chapter 4: Sin Weighs a Lot
8. Chapter 5: Say "Help" to the Lord
9. Chapter 6: Say "Help" to Other People
10. Part 2: We Are Needed
11. Chapter 7: Remember: We Have the Spirit
12. Chapter 8: Move toward and Greet One Another
13. Chapter 9: Have Thoughtful Conversations
14. Chapter 10: See the Good, Enjoy One Another
15. Chapter 11: Walk Together, Tell Stories
16. Chapter 12: Have Compassion during Trouble
17. Chapter 13: Pray during Trouble
18. Chapter 14: Be Alert to Satan's Devices
19. Chapter 15: Prepare to Talk about Sin
20. Chapter 16: Help Fellow Sinners
21. Chapter 17: Keep the Story in View
22. Conclusion: A Community Works Best Side by Side
23. Closing Credits