One of the most difficult parts of being a pastor is dealing with people’s pain. This week some of the families in our church are experiencing loss, heart-wrenching pain. In those times we can go to God’s Word for comfort but I know that there is nothing that I can say or do that will take away their loss.
I have found that the best thing that I can do for someone who is in pain, is to enter into the pain with them. Romans says to mourn with those who mourn. Just being there, being human. Seeing their pain and loss as if it were mine because in some sense, their loss and pain really are mine.
The next time you encounter someone in the pain of loss, don’t worry about what to say, enter into their pain.
Romans 12
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
