Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
–Romans 12:15
I remember the night well… it was 1:00 a.m. and there I stood with my friends in the Emergency Room. I put my arms around them as they said goodbye to their 7-year-old child. For a parent, it really doesn’t get worse than that. How can you even begin to console someone in that situation?
The mom and dad were physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. And at that point, anything I would’ve said would’ve seemed so trite. So I did the only thing I could do. I brought them anything they needed, cried with them, and loved them.
There are moments people go through where the best thing we can do is simply be there for them. And it’s not important what we say in those moments. What’s important is our presence, which says more than any words could.
So when it comes to friends in your life who are suffering through unimaginable circumstances, suffer with them. Don’t feel like you have to say just the right words. Simply let them know you’re there for them, you love them, and let the Lord be their comforter.
HELP FRIENDS IN TOUGH TIMES NOT THROUGH YOUR WORDS, BUT THROUGH YOUR PRESENCE.
