Lighting Up Our City Video 4: Building Bridges Not BarriersSample

We have either experienced ourselves or know someone who has experienced terrible loss and pain. Sometimes, the pain is so great, the question arises, “Where is God in all of this?”

It is hard to know what to say or do in these situations. All too often, someone who has good intentions may say something like, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Rarely do these well-intentioned people help the situation. Sometimes, it even deepens the wound or adds a new wound to the hurt we are already experiencing.

So how can we help? How can we ease someone else’s pain? What does God call us to do? Galatians 6:2 says we are called to “bear one another’s burdens” (words like “carry” and “share” are also used in some translations).

How do we do this? Through the ministry of presence. This means that we show up and are available in their time of need. We just sit with the person who’s hurting and be fully present. We say little except “I’m sorry” or “I’m here for you.” Anything beyond that doesn’t typically help.

We listen patiently to whatever they want to share and grow comfortable with periods of silence. What’s most essential is that we are there, present, extending love and grace to them. We stand in the gap, like others have for us, when their faith is shaken, until they are ready to stand again.

In this way, we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus. When we extend pure, grace-filled words and hearts to others, it breaks down barriers and reveals Christ.

By Teresa Baumbach