And they sat with him … and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great.

Job 2:13

Years ago I was suffering emotionally but had to attend a family party. I kept my emotions controlled during the party, but eventually I retreated to the front porch for respite.

My former brother-in-law joined me on the porch bench. As a man of few words, he didn’t say much. But he knew I was suffering and offered just to sit with me for a while. His presence bolstered me for the rest of the day and soothed my hurts.

That day is now a powerful lesson to me. I’m a talker by nature. But I have learned that sitting with someone in silence is often the best care I can offer. It’s one of the few things Job’s friends did right in comforting him. We can follow that part of their example to care for suffering people.

Sarah Geringer
Jackson, MO 

Jesus, show me who needs my care through sitting more than speaking. Amen.

Reflect: Make a list of people who are suffering and may appreciate you sitting with them for a while.

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and 2 Corinthians 1:7