What to say to a person who is suffering?
One of my mentors used to wisely say, “We are either in a trial, about to enter a trial, or coming out of a trial.” Such is life under the weight of the Curse. Since God’s people are called to be skilled relationally, this means that relating to people in suffering is going to comprise much of our relationships. Here are a few reminders for Christians as we minister to others in their suffering: We’re all called to skillfully minister to those in trials. In many churches, the pastors are viewed as the ministry-putter-on’ers. Church leadership are expected to do all of the ministry while the other 95% of Christians watch. But Scripture commands the contrary: pastors are to equip Christians in local churches to do the ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). Those suffering around us provide great opportunities for our ministry as the physical and spiritual needs can be significant. We can, for example, “love one another with brotherly affection,” “contribute to the needs of the needs of the saints