We see someone grieving a loss. The loss of health. Loss of job. Loss of family. Loss of hope. We want to say something, do something to ease their pain.
Often, a small aspect of that is selfishness on our part. It can be uncomfortable, even painful to be around them in that state. It is nearly impossible to be happy around them, and deep down (I hope), we realize that it would be wrong to simply try to cheer them up.
What to do then? We want to fix their pain, but that is not what they really need. Part of their pain, the truly unbearable part, is the feeling of being utterly alone. "No one understands my pain or my circumstances." These words echo in the heart and the mind like a driving, deafening drum beat.
So how do we help? We sit with them. We listen. And where appropriate, we embrace them. We accept the awkward and unpleasant moment and yield our self.
The human touch is a powerful thing. It can convey so much meaning and power. One of my favorite miracles is found in Matthew 8, where a leper comes to Jesus for healing. Sometimes Jesus healed by speaking a word, and sometimes that word is not even spoken in the presence of the one being healed. Here, though, Jesus touches the man.
Imagine being that leper. The law requires that you separate yourself from all people. If you are to enter an area, you must announce in a loud voice that you are coming, giving them time to get away from you. He had not felt a human touch in only God knows how long. And with the loss of sensitivity in his nerve endings, he could not feel the touch anyways.
Jesus touches him and immediately, he is healed. Not only is he healed, but he now feels the touch of Jesus' hand. Were I him, I would have hugged Jesus with all that was in me. Knowing the compassion of Jesus, I believe he would have hugged right back.
When we embrace those grieving, we enter into their world. They feel less alone. Their grief is lessened in the sharing.
That is what Christ did for us. He entered into our world. He left the splendor and glory of being worshiped in heaven behind when he was born. He lived as one of us for over thirty years, experiencing all the joy and suffering of being human. Then, he allowed his own creation to torture and kill him. He came down and entered into our pain. He embraced us as we were so that we could know that he loved us. We were not alone.
For those who would believe on the sacrifice he made for us, he gives the gift of his Holy Spirit to live in us. He also promises in John 14:23 that "anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them."
He promises to always remain with us till the day that he comes to take us home to himself, to live eternally in heaven. There, "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4)
ALL grief will finally be swallowed up.
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