… weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

Ann and I often met for lunch together and served on a missions team at church. Now, driving to her house with a casserole and fruit in my insulated bag, I was making a bereavement visit. Her husband Joe had passed the day before.

What do you say and do when you make a grief visit? In the past few years as a widow, God has carried and comforted me with His presence and His Word. “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

But He also carried me through supportive friends who sat with me and helped with errands. Conversation wasn’t necessary.

I took a breath, rang the doorbell, and meeting her moist eyes, greeted Ann with a hug. I didn’t need words, I just showed up.

Marilyn Nutter
Greer, SC

Dear Father, help me to see and know how to minister to those who are hurting. Amen.

Reflect: Reflect on ways you can reach out to meet the needs of those who are grieving.

Read: Psalm 34:18 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4