They’re already DOWN. They’re already DISCOURAGED!
When you’re going through a particularly difficult situation or season in life, what is your greatest need? Ponder that for a moment!
You’re down for the count! You may be suffering from depression and feeling hopeless.
Your faith may be weak.
During this or another hard season in your life, is it helpful to be given instruction on what you already know you need to do? Is it helpful being told how to feel or that your faith isn’t strong enough? Even more blatantly, how does it make you feel when you are judged?
Obviously I know the answer to these questions because I’ve experienced all of this and more.
The long and the short of it is, NO ONE SHOULD NEVER, EVER KICK A DEAD DOG! If someone is already down, they don’t need “Job’s Comforters”! Job’s Comforters are those individuals who use words that discourage and depress us, seemingly giving comfort and consolation (Merriam-Webster.com).
Of paramount importance is this: IF WE OR SOMEONE WE KNOW ARE HURTING, LOVE IS THE NUMBER ONE THING NEEDED! And Love comes in many different forms: You might ask, “How are you holding up? Is there anything I can do to help”? Get them flowers or a small gift to cheer them up! Perhaps taking them out for a cup of coffee or lunch would be helpful. This is a great opportunity to just listen to them without judgment and let them pour out their hearts to you. This is not a time to tell them what to do. YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE ANSWERS FOR YOUR FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER’S PROBLEM. You don’t have to fix them or the situation. (I know when we truly love someone we feel compelled to FIX THEM OR THEIR SITUATION, but we simply shouldn’t take this route. It just complicates matters and won’t serve them)!
JUST LISTEN. LISTEN, LOVE ON & ENCOURAGE THEM.
And LISTEN. SOME. MORE.
We’ve been given TWO EARS and ONE MOUTH for good reason.
LISTEN TWICE AS MUCH AS YOU SPEAK!
IT’S THAT SIMPLE…
