People
are hurting all around us. Everywhere we look there is pain and suffering. It
can be overwhelming.
As
Christians, sometimes it’s difficult to know how we should respond to the
hardships experienced by others. Their suffering may come in a variety of forms. Those categories include physical/medical problems, hunger and
homelessness, abuse and neglect, grief and loss, guilt and shame, emotional
difficulties such as depression and anxiety, or broken relationships.
The
question is this: What would Jesus have us do when confronted with the
suffering of others?
While
I certainly don’t claim to have all the answers, I'd like to make a few
suggestions to help you help others.
In other words, show up in
person! There is tremendous power in a ministry of presence. After all, Jesus’
ministry was incarnational by its very nature. He made himself physically
present to humanity and all its suffering, showing up in person to help and
heal.
John 1:14 (ESV) says, “And
the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as
of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Job’s friends did
their best work in providing support and comfort when they simply remained
quiet in their attentive presence (Job 2:11-13). Did you know that the words
LISTEN and SILENT are comprised of the same letters?
Be patient.
People who are suffering
are often confused, frustrated, scared, angry, and demoralized. They need
tender loving care that might require a significant sacrifice of time and the
gift of patience on your part. Their faith is often tested and their emotions
are frequently all over the place.
They may even lash out at
you since you’re close by with displaced feelings arising from their anxiety.
Realize that it’s not about you, but rather their deep-seated pain. Therefore,
give them the benefit of the doubt and demonstrate much patience and kindness.
Try to put yourself in their shoes and be empathetic.
Be prayerful.
Pray for individuals who
are suffering. Remember them in your personal prayers when you’re alone. Also,
offer to pray with them, but don’t force it on them. James 5:16 (ESV) says,
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you
may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is
working.”
Keep in mind that it is
God who has the real power to help and strengthen the weak. Plug in to your
spiritual power source through prayer.
Be polite.
Respect the space and
privacy of those who are hurting. When visiting someone in the hospital or in
his or her home, don’t overstay your welcome. Follow their lead and pay
attention to social cues. Sometimes, individuals simply aren’t up for a visit
for whatever reason. Perhaps they’re just physically tired and need rest at the
moment. Or else, they would like to be alone for time to decompress and relax.
Often the best visit is a
short one. A brief phone call may actually be more appreciated at times. Also,
be careful not to insult their intelligence by imposing your own personal
opinion and perspective on what they should or shouldn’t do. Respect their
freedom to choose their own course of action. And limit your advice giving.
Be practical.
Instead of saying
something like, “If there’s ever anything I can do, don’t hesitate to ask,” actually
think of hands-on ways you can help. If they are ill or injured, maybe they
need some meals provided, house-cleaning, or yard work assistance.
Perhaps they would benefit from transportation to and from doctor’s
appointments.
Maybe they’re desperate
for some free childcare. If they are financially strained, they could likely
use some cash. Whatever the circumstances, think of practical avenues whereby
you could provide some real aid. Offer specific things you’re prepared to do, but leave it up to them to decide if they feel comfortable accepting
your help.
If they’re not in a
position to respond for some reason, just take care of whatever needs to be
done. In Matthew 25:35-40 Jesus describes this type of hands-on, practical care
in providing food, shelter, clothing, and emotional support.
Be positive.
Those who are suffering
are generally in need of consolation and hope. Remind them that they’re not
alone and that God will see them through come what may.
As a caregiver, try to
remain optimistic and upbeat. Positivity is contagious. Encourage sufferers not
to give up in the face of their struggles. Remind them that things usually have a way
of working out in the end when we keep our trust in the Lord.
Romans 8:28 (ESV) says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Let us bring hope to a broken world as we display the love and compassion of Christ.
Romans 8:28 (ESV) says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Let us bring hope to a broken world as we display the love and compassion of Christ.
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