There were times when people came to me and shared their situations. They trusted me enough to open their hearts. They spoke about their struggles, their confusion, their pain. Wanting to help, I gave advice. But later, there were moments when I regretted what I said.Not because my intention was wrong, but because my words came from my own thinking. I realized afterward that my understanding was limited. My life experience is not the same as theirs. My thoughts are not their thoughts. And most importantly, my perspective is not God’s perspective.
That realization humbled me.
I began to understand something important: giving advice is easy, but carrying someone’s burden wisely is not. Every person’s situation is different. What worked for me may not work for them. What I see on the surface may not be the real issue. Only God knows the full picture—past, present, and future.
After those moments of regret, I learned to pause.
Instead of immediately offering advice, I learned to pray for the person. Sometimes silently. Sometimes later, alone with God. I began to ask God to guide them in the way He knows is best—not the way I think is best.
Prayer does something advice cannot do.
Prayer invites God into the situation.
Prayer honors the uniqueness of each person’s journey.
Prayer removes the pressure to “fix” someone.
I also learned that listening itself is a gift. Many people do not need answers right away. They need to be heard. They need to feel seen. They need to know they are not alone.
When we rush to give advice, we may unknowingly place our own expectations onto someone else’s life. But when we pray, we release control and trust God to work in His timing and His way.
This lesson has changed how I walk with people.
Now, when someone shares their situation, I try to listen more and speak less. I try to hold their story gently. And above all, I bring it to God.
Because God knows their heart better than I ever could.
God understands their circumstances fully.
And God’s guidance is always wiser than my words.
Sometimes the most loving response is not advice—but prayer.
And sometimes, silence filled with compassion speaks louder than anything we could say.
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