We all need each other. In good times and bad, we’re designed to live in community with other people. More than anything, when we care for one another, we’re Jesus with skin on. No friend will ever forget a time when you were Jesus to them.

In my Better Together book, I talk about many kinds of gifts we can offer. Today I’d like to share with you some Scripture you can give to a friend.

When I was going through my cancer treatment, I had a friend who texted me every week with a Scripture of encouragement. Some of those verses can be found below. I know when the mountains of life get big, having someone to help you keep your eyes on the Mountain Mover can make all the difference in the world.

33 Bible Verses to Share With a Friend Going Through a Hard Time

James 1:2–4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 5:3–5 But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs to it and is safe.

Exodus 15:2a The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.

Psalm 9:9–10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Isaiah 26:4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

Psalm 32:7–8 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid. For the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Exodus 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Psalm 34:17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Isaiah 43:1–3 Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Psalm 27:1–3 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 145:18–19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

Psalm 138:3 When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.

Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 62:1–2 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 91:1–2 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Hebrews 4:16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.