The other day a friend shared a painful experience in her life. A current thing. As I was listening to her, I found it hard to not try and “fix” what was wrong. Oh, it would have sounded really, really good. And really spiritual. I wanted to say something like…”Well, God has a plan for your life”…or “Remember, God doesn’t give you more than you can handle”. After all, these are true, right?
The problem is, my friend already knows these truths. She already loves God. She is just experiencing something painful…right now. She didn’t come to me for a solution, or even to get suggestions for trying new things that may alleviate her pain. What I realized (with the help of the Holy Spirit) is she simply needed to be heard. As I sat there with her, she found comfort in my presence, not my voice, my presence! She found comfort in the fact that I grieved with her.
It reminds me of the passage in Romans 12:9-21. In this passage we read some attributes of a true Christian. And in verse 15 it says “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep”. Simple. We don’t always have to have the answer or solution. But we can always be there for sisters and brothers in the Lord. That’s the beauty of the family of God!!
So, what hinders you from simply being there for fellow followers of God? Do you feel guilty if you don’t have an answer for them? Be encouraged today! By simply being with someone when they are grieving you are fulfilling God’s heart for them.
Be blessed!
The Cracked Pot... 