Craig T. Owens

They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” … And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” (Mark 14:32, 34)

Jesus was staring down the most intense, horrific experience anyone on earth had ever faced—more intense than what anyone has ever faced since then. At this moment, He just wanted His friends close by. 

Sometimes the best thing we can do for a hurting friend is just be present. Just be there for them. We cannot fully know what battle is raging in our friend’s heart, so we probably won’t have the appropriate words to share. So just be present for them—be physically there in the room with them. 

Job’s friends started out well, as they sat silently with their friend. When they tried to counsel Job, they made matters worse. Job called them “miserable counselors” (Job 16:2) and their words made God angry with them too. 

Don’t feel like you have to have words to share with your friend. Sometimes just weeping with those who weep is enough to let your friend know that they are not alone. 

You may also be interested in my posts The Present of Presence and Presents or Presence?