How can I respond to the suffering of others?

Job 2:11-13When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to show their grief. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.

Until they decided to explain Job’s suffering to him, his friends responded exactly as they should have, offering their silent, supportive presence to their suffering friend. The grief we suffer may pose agonizing questions, but those who suffer are rarely in a frame of mind to consider the possible reasons behind it. While a person sits in their suffering, we would be wise to be silent and resist trying to come up with explanations.

1 Corinthians 12:26If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

When one Christian suffers, it should hurt us all, for we are all members of Christ’s body—unified. If one part of our bodies hurt, sympathetic pain is felt throughout our bodies. So it should be in the body of Christ. If we know someone who is hurting, we should suffer along with that person in order to bring them comfort and hope.

Luke 10:34“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.”

Galatians 6:2Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

We must seek to provide whatever practical support we can for a person who is suffering.

Romans 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Suffering people need empathy from others, not advice.