As the color of the leaves change and the temperatures cool down, signs of a new season are apparent. For many, their loved one is not by their side which can bring tenderness and pain to the holiday season. October, November and December can be difficult for grieving people. WidowLife would like to help you care for those who are suffering. Take time to consider one of the following gifts that will bring light to those who are hurting at this time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt only takes a little time to show how much you care. It only takes a little time to answer someone\u2019s biggest prayer.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
L \u2013 Listen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The gift of your presence and a listening ear is comforting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dave Furman shares the experiences of a suffering friend: \u201cI was sitting torn by grief. Someone came and talked to me of God\u2019s dealings, of why it happened, of hope beyond the grave. He talked constantly, he said things I knew were true. I was unmoved, except to wish he\u2019d go away. He finally did. Another came and sat beside me. He didn\u2019t talk. He didn\u2019t ask leading questions. He just sat beside me for an hour or more, listened when I said something, answered briefly, prayed simply, left. I was moved. I was comforted. I hated to see him go.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
James 1:19 reminds us to be \u201cquick to hear and slow to speak\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
I \u2013 Intercede<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The gift of intentional, faithful prayer is life-changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
God hears our prayers of intercession. There is power in lifting up the names of those who hurt to the One who can comfort in ways we never can. Prayer really makes a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you\u2026\u201d<\/em> Colossians 1:9<\/p>\n\n\n\n
G \u2013 Grace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The gift of extending compassionate grace to those who are suffering is healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Give grace if your loved one responds out of character. It\u2019s important to remember that this is a journey through pain, and grief impacts everyone in different ways.<\/li>
- Give when they can\u2019t give back – give them something to look forward to (solitude, rest, a clean home, provision, or pampering with a manicure or dropping off one of their favorite things)<\/li>
- Genuine care \u2013 don\u2019t make them a project or a good deed to check off, but instead love and care deeply in ways that are meaningful to them.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
H \u2013 Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The gift of practical help that lightens her load is encouraging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd let us not grow weary of doing good\u2026\u201d<\/em> Galatians 6:9<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make it easy for them to accept your help. Instead of asking \u201cWhat can I do to help?\u201d rephrase your offer in the following way:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Do you want me clean your bathrooms or grocery shop this week?<\/em><\/li>
- Would you prefer help with home repairs this Saturday or the next?<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
T \u2013 Trust<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The gift of joining them in trusting God and His promises is powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is important to speak words of blessing and life over their season of suffering: \u201cEncourage one another and build up one another\u201d<\/em> 1 Thessalonians 5:11<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Tell them you are sorry for the pain<\/li>
- Tell them you are sad too and sorry they are walking through this valley.<\/li>
- Tell them sweet memories of their loved one, mentioning them by name.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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