I’ve been reading the Book of Job recently and the great suffering he experienced. He lost his wealth, ten children died, he was inflicted with great painful illness, devastated. Upon hearing of it Three friends came alongside him and sat with him in his sorrow and for seven days did not utter a word.
* They came to him.
* They sat with him.
* They were silent.
I then read the quote below and saw from it the truth of what Job’s friends had expressed originally in empathizing with him.
This is great insight for us all in coming alongside suffering ones. Sometimes words – not always- but can be an intrusion. We don’t always have to feel we have to have the “right word“ to say. It is not to say, words and deeds of kindness are not important and necessary but there is also another way to show forth your love, convey your empathy and that is simply being with them and not feeling you have to say a word. Your presence and silence can be as a healing balm to their brokenness.
My dear wife recently reminded me of the verse “mourn with those who mourn.” Or as one translation says, “weep with those who weep, “Empathy is a wonderful gift to the suffering one.
And can be shown in various ways including… silence.
“In the experience of suffering, silence in the sufferer’s presence is often a far greater aid than many words.” —(Alistair Begg)
May God make us sensitive to those around us who suffer. To empathize with them and know at times our sitting with them and silence is a good place to start.
Sit with them
Empathize
Silence can be what they need from you.
Don’t be afraid to be silent. Don’t feel you have to talk and have the answer. There may be time for speaking later. But there are times when silence is appropriate. Sometimes we can feel we have to say something – when silence is more beneficial to the suffering one.
God bless
Aidan.