[190 words]
There are times when we find those around us suffering. When a friend gets the call no one ever wants to get, the diagnosis comes back worse than expected, when tragedy strikes those around us. It can be a very helpless feeling to try and provide comfort to those is the midst of such pain. We don’t want to say the wrong thing and make it worse or we don’t want to say nothing and seem as if we don’t care. It is hard to know what to say that will help.
In John 11, Jesus was faced with the same type of dilemma. Two women he loved had lost the brother they all loved. So what did Jesus do?
John 11:35 tells us, “Jesus wept.” Their pain and suffering became his own. He expressed his love by weeping with them. His action, his love, his presence, his concern, spoke deeper than just his words.
Many times suffering people don’t need lessons or advice or even answers to their questions. They need to know someone else cares and feels their pain. We don’t have to say much but to show our love.
Barry Haynes
Hope church of Christ
Hope, AR