The other day I got news that my friend had just experienced a loss. I basically ignored it and the implications. I assumed I'd have time to deal with it later - to let her know I was sorry and to share a kind word. I didn't want to take the to enter into her pain, to be sorrowful yet always rejoicing (2 Cor. 6:10).
It took an email a few days later for me to stop and cry for her, with her. It took me getting out of my world which was very self-focused, to realize that she was in pain and that I could enter into it with her - I could recognize it, mourn with her, cry with her and pray with/for her. It changed my outlook and sympathy for her when I let my guard down and got out of the world. But I had to be willing.
It is a scary thing to be willing to cry and to enter into another's pain. It often brings up past pain and almost always brings up questions about God's goodness and love. But I have confidence that my God is bigger. While I do not love the tears, questions or pain that comes, I do love my friends. As part of the Body of Christ when they hurt. May God give me the grace and courage to experience their pain, extend grace, and trust Him fully with it all.
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