We easily say: “Be strong.” “Be patient.”
But have we ever carried what that person is carrying?
It’s easy to talk.
It’s harder to share the burden.
We say, “Be strong,”
while we wouldn’t endure even one day in their place.
We say, “God will act,”
yet we do nothing to be God’s answer for them.
The Bible does not say: « Give advice to those who suffer. »
It says:
« Rejoice with those who are rejoicing. Weep with those who are weeping. »(Romans 12:15)
« Carry one another’s burdens, and so shall you fulfill the law of Christ. »(Galatians 6:2)
Weeping with someone is more powerful than giving them a speech.
Job had friends. For seven days, they sat silently beside him. That was their best moment. They began to fail when they began to speak.
Sometimes, the best word… is presence.
Jesus did not only say, “Be strong.”
He touched.
He fed.
He healed.
He stopped.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”(Psalm 34:18)
If God draws near to the brokenhearted, why do we stay at a distance?
Before saying today, “Be strong,” ask yourself:
– Can I help in a practical way?
– Can I listen?
– Can I pray with them?
– Can I simply be present?
Compassion is not a word.
It is a movement.
It is a step toward someone else.
Don’t be just a voice.
Be a shoulder.
PRAYER:
Lord, make me a response, not just a comment.
Give me a heart that acts, not just a mouth that speaks.
Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA