This is a further reflection from Alwyn's post on how Christians often advance cliches like "Trust God" and hope you buy into what they're saying. I agree with Alwyn.

I think the easiest way to shake someone off (who's facing a complication in life) and still remain untainted in one's conscience is by spewing something spiritual like "Trust God" and "I'll pray for you". And then, to deceive yourself into thinking that you've somehow been part of the solution to this person's problem. It's false spirituality and has nothing to do with fulfilling the rule to love God and your neighbour.

When is saying "Trust God" or "I'll pray for you" appropriate? It's appropriate when:

1. You've actually wasted your time sitting down and listening to your friend's problem and trying to understand his situation. This is so that you have actually taken the time to care to know the magnitude of the problem without presumptuously thinking you have anything valuable to offer in terms of solutions.

2. You've actually found it within the recesses of your heart and mind to care for the wellbeing of this person. In other words, when you can tell yourself that you love this person or have made a choice to do so. And so, listening to this person isn't just something you do as a Christian duty. Because it isn't a Christian duty to listen. It's a Christian duty to love. And if you listen, listen because you love.

3. You're actually determined to be a proactive companion to this person in his journey towards seeking solutions. By this, it doesn't mean you must be the solution itself. You just have to be a companion to this person as he journeys towards seeking solutions. And together with that, be willing to stake your own resources to contribute towards the solution - yes, I'm talking about time, money, effort, and anything else.

If not, don't flippantly say "Trust God" or "I'll pray for you", please... it's downright pretentious. It's religious, but pretentious.