WHAT NOT TO SAY

I want to start blogging more about how to love those who are hurting, since I have been asked this a lot lately. So that will be a theme for a while. Here's the first installment. I asked friends who had faced difficult suffering what they wish had NOT been said to them. What they said underscores how helpful it can be to simply listen.

"I think you need to get some professional help."
"'I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me....'"
"'Rejoice in the Lord at all times....'"
"It's not that bad compared to (insert major world crisis)."
"Be glad that God is making you stronger."
"Just try harder and you can do it."
"You're just a Drama Queen."
"Other people have it worse than you do."
"Let me know how that goes, huh?"
"God must really have it in for you."
"Weren’t you struggling with this last week?"
"I struggled with something just like that and I got over it."
"Remember, it is important to keep a good witness."
"Well, this is God’s will so don’t complain."
"Please don’t share this in public."
"If you had more faith, you would be healed."
"I'll pray for you" (translation: "I am uncomfortable being with someone who is hurting, so I'm going to get you to quit talking about it by saying I'll pray for you and sound spiritual in the process.")
"Everything works for the good of those who love him" (translation: "I have never really been hurting in my life and I have no idea how to relate to what you're saying so if you're hurting you must have done something wrong.")

Its interesting how many of these are scripture from the Word of God.