I once met a man who was a hospital chaplain and he uttered these wise words: "God simply wants us to stay with people during their pain, the type of pain that only God can fix or heal." As I contemplate these words I cannot help but think about the pain that I have endured in my life thus far. But when this pain comes to mind I am strangely filled with hope, because of the loving actions of those around me.
For example one and half years ago my mother sadly passed away. However, what overwhelmed me was the response of the Mosaic community. Instead of trying comfort me with a catchy saying like, "It will pass" they took time off work to attend her funeral. Instead of simply saying, "Let me know if you need me, I am here for you" they stayed with me and grieved with me. In fact, my family were amazed that so many of my friends attended my mum's funeral.
Staying with people in their pain is awkward and hard because we cannot fix their pain, only God can. If he chooses to.
As Easter has just passed it reminds me of how God endured so much for us, how Jesus became a man, and stayed with humanity in its pain and brokenness. I hope that because of this we too as a community (of love, faith and hope) can stay when painful circumstances hit those around us. That we can be known for our love in a crisis, that we shower others in patience and grace when they hit rock bottom. That we do not expect those around us to finish grieving for lost ones in two weeks, and that we love people regardless of whether they change or not.
How can we simply stay with others in their pain this week?
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