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.
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