The Ministry of Showing Up

Weep With Those Who Weep

Paul's instruction is brief and precise: Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Not: explain to those who weep. Not: offer perspective to those who weep. Simply: be with them in it.

This is harder than advice. It requires sitting with something uncomfortable without trying to resolve it.

The Underestimated Gift of Presence

When we are suffering, unhelpful responses often come from people trying to make themselves more comfortable with our pain by rushing us through it. The most helpful responses come from people willing to simply be present.

If someone in your life is suffering right now, consider what it would mean to show up and say nothing useful. Just be there. Ask: what do you need? And listen to the answer. That is more than enough.