As humans, we were created to be social, to work together, and to support each other. As you progress through life you build relationships with new people and in most cases strengthen the relationships that you have with the people you meet first, your family. Because we are social, we need strong support systems.
A support system is defined as
A group of people who are available to support one another emotionally, socially, and sometimes financially.
We need strong support systems to get through life. There will be times where we are lost, heartbroken, confused, and we need the comfort of another to let us know that we are not alone and whatever hard time we are facing, we will get through. There will be times when great things happen in our lives and we want the people we care about to be happy for us as well. Sometimes when we think someone is in our corner, that is not always the case. Jealousy and envy are real and may surface in your life in the form of “frenemies.” I know this may seem a bit extreme, but this happens everyday.
In order to build a strong support system you have to do what you wish someone would do for you. So for me that includes correcting me when I’m wrong, being encouraging, leading by example, giving sound advice, celebrating achievements, making sacrifices, and the list can go on.
Having a strong support system is important especially when it comes to one’s mental health. It will help with the following
- Alleviate stress
- Improve the decision making process
- Improve how you relate to others
- Improve confidence and feelings of value
- Decrease the feelings of loneliness and isolation (source)
We cannot grow in isolation. We can only grow in community and we need to be there for each other during the good times, the bad times, and the ugly times. When we see our brother or sister down, don’t leave them down or beat them down even further, be there to offer a helping hand.
Here are a few bible scriptures showing why we need to be there to support each other, especially in a time of need
1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
So in order to have a strong support system, you must be the example. You cannot expect to receive what you are not willing to give.
