The Simplicity of Sympathy
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
Simplify. The
popularity of this theme is proving to be appealing in a day of
complexity. Homes are being sold,
corporations are being abandoned, and many are find that the encumbrances that
were once necessary for contentment are now expendable. Consumers are trading what society has said
will make us happy for what we believe will make us happy. Either we’re discovering that Honda is right
or Honda has discovered that we are right.
Simplicity extends
beyond the realm of consumerism though.
Is fits nicely in our Christian vocabulary as well especially when it
comes to being a comforter or encourager to others. Misled into believing that eloquence or
extravagance is the key to effective ministry, many are realizing that it
doesn’t take much to impact a lfie (whether that be a person who is running on
“E” or someone whose tank is completely dry).
After all, you don’t have ot have experienced another person’s pain to
show care for them.
Years ago, I read a
letter to Abbey Van Buren that appropriately communicates what people are
looking for in a time of loss but of course we don’t have to wait. We can extend encouragement today.
“Dear Abbey, All I
want is to have my loss acknowledged.
Do people fear a scene? The best
thing I have ever done is join the Widowed Persons services sponsored by the
AARP (American Association of Retired People) and local community
organizations. I also joined a
bereavement group sponsored by Hospice.
Only other widowed people know how I feel and take my feelings
seriously. The following appeared in a
recent S.P.S. newsletter. I hope this is worth printing. AFTER SOMEONE HAS DIED, SAY…”What I always
like about
( ) was ( ).”
“I’ll never forget the time he and I ( )”
May I take the kids to the beach today?”
“It’s O.K. Tell me again ( ).”
“I just phone to say hello.”
“Tuesday will a tough day for you.
May we spend it together?” “I
thought you might need a hug or someone to hold your hand today.” “You don’t have to hide your tears.” “I’d love to (trim your bushes, etc.) “My I do it for you?” The best thing anybody (who did not know my
husband particularly) said to me was, “I was so sorry to read about your
husband’s death. Would you like to talk
about it?” LOVE, A WIDOW IN NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT
As we scan the
scriptures, we find that certain people had a knack for sympathy and
encouraging others. When David was
being hounded by King Saul year after year, Jonathan was strategically available
to stand beside his friend even at the risk of his father’s rage (1 Samuel
18:3). When Naomi was to return to Israel after
the loss of her husband, Ruth determined to be her companion and sacrifice her
own needs (Ruth 1:16). When Mary and
Martha’s brother died, Jesus was present not necessarily to deliver a
dissertation on “eschatology theology” but simply to cry with them (John
11:35).
We make comforting
others far too complicated. If we
are willing, the Holy Spirit is willing to work through us. Finding candidates for consolation are as
easy as throwing a pea in the ocean.
Don’t say that I told you, but the person in your home or at your work
today could use it. I’m sure they’d let
you give them a hug or handshake if you asked real nicely.
Terry Risser
Reflections:
1) When was the last time you
needed real encouragement?
2) Who reached out to you at
your most difficult time?
Consider reading the Word today:
Copyright 2014- Terry Risser
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