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Listening . . . 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.  Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7

 

When we are hurting, we value the presence of a friend who will just listen. But when someone we know is hurting, we often are tempted to do anything but listen. We charter away and give unwanted advice to them, instead of just letting them share their burden with us.

But remember: sometimes the best thing we can do is listen quietly when friends have a problem, letting them share their feelings and assuring them that we care, even if we don't have any answers. In the midst of his suffering, Job cried out to those who were constantly giving him advice,  "O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom" (Job 13:5).

In addition to listening, pray for your hurting friends---and let them know you are praying. And when you do talk with them, encourage them and urge them to commit their problem---and their entire life---into Jesus' hands. God can work in unexpected ways to bring good out of bad.

When your friends are hurting, ask God to help you be an encourager and a burden-bearer---for Jesus' sake.

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.