Walking with One Person

A small group is a few people walking together. Sometimes what one person needs is someone to walk a stretch of the road with them.

After Paul and Barnabas preached the gospel, they did not simply leave and call it done. They went back to those cities, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith,” (Acts 14:22) and told them an honest truth: “through many afflictions we must enter into God’s Kingdom.” (Acts 14:22) Walking with someone means strengthening them in hard times, not just being keen at the start.

Those who walk with others must walk ahead themselves. Paul dared to say: “Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) This does not mean he was perfect; it means: I am following too—watch how I follow. In walking with someone, what matters most is not what you say but how they see you live.

The person you walk with will certainly face temptation. The book’s answer to Question 44 is a promise: “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) You are not that way of escape, but you can walk with them as they look for it.

Walking with others is tiring too. The Bible tells us to look ahead: “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2) You are not the author and perfecter of their faith; Jesus is. You are only walking a stretch of the road.

A few boundaries: when walking with someone, it is best that they are of the same sex; meet in public places; what they tell you stays with you, except when someone’s safety is at risk. When something is beyond you—such as serious psychological distress or domestic violence—help them find a pastor or a professional; don’t carry it alone.