Calling and Purpose: Caring for Those Who Grieve
No matter our gifts or our calling, each of us as Christ-followers can be there for those who grieve, those in need of a listening ear, those who are desperate for comfort in less-than-comforting circumstances. While how each of us shows up for these people in our midst and in our communities may vary greatly, and we will certainly serve them with our unique set of gifts and talents and passions, we can all:
--facilitate the process of helping the suffering come to the Lord in “deep anguish” with “bitter tears” [1 Samuel 1:10].
--continue to gather with the Lord’s people in worship—to remind ourselves of God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness, and to be replenished for our continued service.
--pray with and for those who are lamenting. Bring their requests before God with expectancy and hope on their behalf. You might pray Scripture: Psalm 5:1-3 Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
--simply listen. Their hearts “grow faint” and they seek “refuge”. You can be present with them in this, uncomfortable though it may be.
--bring comfort from the “God of all comfort” Who has comforted us “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
We are to share in the sufferings of others and we share in the comfort of one another as well (2 Corinthians 1:7). This is part of our calling and purpose as sisters and brothers—family—in Christ.
Important resources:
Take this free spiritual gifts assessment or this free Spanish language spiritual gifts assessment.
Purchase the six-week workbook in English or Spanish:
DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition)
Downloadable Resources--See Sample List of Interest Areas; Your Spiritual Gifts—A Study Guide; Knowing Your Unique Calling and Purpose Study Guide; Whole-Life Ministry: A Form of Worship, Grace-Giving, and Living into Your Calling.
Shirley Giles Davis, author of the God. Gifts. You. Your Unique Calling and Design workbook, Your Unique Design Class Guide, Your Unique Design Facilitator Guide, DIOS. DONES. TÚ.: Tu llamado y diseño único (Spanish Edition), and Gifts-Calling-Purpose blog, is a consultant, coach, facilitator who has worked with hundreds of faith-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, and executive leaders in a diversity of fields for four decades. She currently serves as Catalyst for Equipping at her church.
Photo © Shirley Giles Davis.
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