A Moment With Pastor Fred
“There are times in life when we have the sacred opportunity to comfort a grieving person,” so writes Aniel Seabough of the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation. Life in a fallen world guarantees that trouble of some variety is coming to us all. Though every person’s grief is unique, the author lists 5 practices essential when comforting the grieving.
Be Present. Eliminate distractions so you can devote full attention to the person in need.
Use Appropriate Touch. Many times, older people have gone years without a comforting touch. In our hyper-sexualized world, we must be careful not to cross any lines or send a wrong message. But an appropriate touch can speak volumes to the brokenhearted.
Listen Well. Unfortunately, most of us don’t listen well. When someone is talking, we’re often thinking about our response. Ask questions. Clarify. The responses we receive will give insight into how to pray effectively.
Pray Continually. Silently while listening of course but praying out loud with a grieving person is a great blessing.
Avoid Giving Advice. Everyone has a story. It’s normal to want to share your experiences but the truth is that giving advice to someone grieving rarely accomplishes what we hope. Now if someone asks for advice, that’s different.
I would add a 6th – always point them to Christ. He was the Man of all Sorrows. Casting all our anxieties on him for he cares for us.
Pray for Mary Hayes, Diane Wilson, Susan and I as we attend a counseling seminar on suffering September 19-20. May we all be more effective in helping those who are grieving.