How do you console someone

Im the type of friend that will say mean things in front of my friends face but only say nice things when they’re not looking. They know I love them but i just dont show it in a compassionate kinda way.

So here’s my dilemma. The way i comfort my friends is through sarcastic jokes and usually that kind of stuff works and it brightens up their mood. But there’s a friend of mine who is dealing with a lot lately and i dont think my usual approach is the way to go. I tried acknowledging their feelings and show compassion but it sounds so fake coming from me even though I really ment what I’ve said. It just cringes them out. And tbh it cringes me out as well. I really need advice 🥲