Comforting those who grieve
“Weep with those who weep.”
Romans 12:15b (NASB)
I walked up the dimly lit staircase, taking time to avoid the debris. Rolled-up mattresses and tattered baby strollers were scattered throughout the stairwell. I could hear people on the other side of the thin walls speaking unfamiliar African languages. “Lord, I am relying on You,” I repeated.
Normally my husband accompanied me into the lower-income apartments of France, but he had another engagement. Nevertheless, an African Muslim immigrant in Paris needed me.
Days before, she had suffered a miscarriage. After being released from the hospital, she needed friends to surround her as she worked through the grief. I had been invited to spend the day with her and her lifelong friends from her village back in Africa.
Together, we attended to the woman’s needs. We sat together. We took turns leading the conversation. We ate lunch together in an African manner. A colorful tablecloth was laid on the floor, and we sat encircled around the common platter in the center. With our hands and large spoons, we shared from the dish, just as we were sharing my new friend’s sorrow.
Throughout the afternoon, I prayed with my friend. I reminded her of God’s compassion in time of trouble. I offered her promises from the Bible that would build upon what she already had learned through our previous Bible studies. Yet I can't help but think the most important thing I did that day was that I simply took the time to be by her side and to share her grief.
Father, may I never be too busy to share the sorrow of those around me. Whether it's bringing a meal, making a visit, or holding a hand, help me to minister to others who are grieving. I pray that missionaries across the world will be able to do the same today. Amen.
Text exerpt from Voices of the Faithful. Order your own copy from the
International Mission Board
Resource Center