What They Need Most

What They Need Most

Presence always matters, but it may matter most when everything right has all gone wrong. Someone is grieving a death. Or suffering from a serious illness. Or depressed, angry, or discouraged.

At these times, the best way to be present with someone is usually to just be present. Nothing more. No friendly banter. No advice. No praise or encouragement. No drawn-out words of comfort. Just you, with them. And that’s it.

Let them talk if they want to talk. Or hold them as they cry. Or maybe they’ll just want to be silent. The silence may feel uncomfortable. Just sitting there will feel impractical. But it’s not.

We want to help. That’s why we’re there. But when people are at their worst, don’t ask what you can do for them. They probably don’t need favors or errands. They don’t even need your words. What do they need most? You.

Just you.

Our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

—2 Corinthians 1:7