When Kindness Is A Listening Ear

When Kindness Is a Listening Ear

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.

James 1:19, NIV

“I am just so sorry. I don’t know what else to say, but I’m sorry.”

These words were spoken to me by a dear friend over dinner just days after I had gotten the news that my sister’s cancer had returned more fiercely than before and her prognosis was poor.

Although no one around me would verbalize the thought, I knew everyone was thinking the same thing: she might not make it this time. By contrast, the things people said aloud sounded flat and superficial. They meant well, I knew, with their kind words like “God’s in control” and “She’ll be okay.”

I appreciated the sentiment, but I wasn’t so sure. As I sat across from my friend and the world swirled around us, life going on as usual, she listened as I once again explained what had happened to my sister.

And then I waited for her to respond like so many others had before, filling up the air with kind thoughts. But she didn’t. Instead she looked at me, tears in her eyes, and simply said, “I am just so sorry. I don’t know what else to say, but I’m sorry. Sorry this is happening to you, your sister, your family.” And then she was quiet, allowing the sadness of it all to be there in our midst, offering no pat answers or token encouragement. It was just what I needed after one of the hardest weeks of my life: someone willing to just sit and be with me in the sadness.

There’s something to be said about being able to be present with someone in the midst of their pain. To be able to stop—to take a break from the distractions of life—and acknowledge someone’s suffering. To join them in their pain.

Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Your silence may be just the comfort someone else needs.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

Take a few minutes to listen to someone who is going through a hard time, without offering advice or platitudes. Instead, offer to pray for them.