What can we do to be helpful to one who is suffering? First, we can be present and listen. At a time when others turn away out of fear of not knowing what to say or do, our presence can let the sufferer know that he or she is not alone. We care and we are there. And we can listen. Often people who are suffering find comfort in talking about the situation: reminiscing about the one who has died, talking about their fears related to their illness, or sharing the pain of the broken relationship.
Using Scripture with one who is suffering can be helpful or hurtful. One woman who was grieving talked about being “bludgeoned” by Romans 8:28 (We know all things work together for good…). It is more helpful to share words from some of the Psalms of lament at times like these. Through the words “My God, My God, why have you forsake me?” Psalm 22:1 offers no easy answers, but rather meets the sufferer where she or he is.
This message is excerpted from “Comforting and Consoling” by Kathie Bender Schwich in the March 2015 Gather magazine.
Copyright © 2024 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected].
This was a very helpful and inspiring devotional teaching. I have a colleague/friend who was just told a few weeks ago she only as 2 months left for her life on earth. She is angry at God as she says is her words “I have been a good gurl and done everything right”. She is young and has 3 young adult children in the hone who are just beginning their life. I have been listening, supportive, trying to find the right thing to say, caring and compassionate. We both work in the medical field into Rehabilitation Services. She recognizes what is happening to her body as the spinal cancer enlarges
Reading this daily grace gave me a sign that God is hearing my prayers and leading me in a compassionate path to help my friend come to terms as well as stimulating her to continue to fight to stay alive. The doctors may have closed her case, but I know God creates miracles. So I WILK continue to pray for her even if for now she feels God has turned his back on her.
Thank you for your timely post.