Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:23-26
“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.”
Henri Nouwen in Out of Solitude: Three Meditations on the Christian Life (Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2004) 38.
I have a good friend, Ken Sharp. I love him. He said on Sunday that he was discouraged and struggling in his faith. He’s had some rough times lately.
So, rather than give advice or offer solutions (which I have done more times than I can count), I went over to his place yesterday just to check in, to ask how he was doing, to ask about his wife whose been in the hospital for a long time, to read Psalm 73 together, and to pray. He said it meant a lot.
As you think about your generosity, consider giving a warm tender hand or a listening ear. Sit with someone who is struggling and love them well.
I am learning this is one of the greatest gifts we can give people. The paradox is that such gifts don’t cost us any money, and simultaneously, they are priceless to the receiver. Ask God today if there is someone who needs a friend who cares and for the Spirit.