Grief is hard to understand until you’ve lived it, and it’s something we will all experience at some point in our life. However, few of us will be prepared when it comes.
We’ll all face it—whether through the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a dream, or a career. And if you haven’t experienced it yet, you may feel unsure how to support someone who has, in a meaningful way. Knowing what to do—or what not to do—can feel totally outside your frame of reference.
We’ve walked through devastating grief and have learned some very important steps that will help you understand grief, comfort your grieving loved one, and avoid awkward, painful interactions.
Be Sensitive
The first and most important thing? Be sensitive. When you’re unsure what to say, say nothing—just be present. Comfort is more often felt than heard.
In Job 2:13, Job’s friends sat silently with him for seven days because they saw his pain was too great for words. That kind of quiet presence speaks volumes.
There are just no words for some situations—but there is always room for LOVE—which, through presence and gentleness, can carry more comfort than any words.
When to Speak, When to Stay Silent
We read in Ecclesiastes 3:7 that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. We have a section in our book that addresses this—things we should say, and things we should never say—and how to choose our words carefully.
As Proverbs 12:18 says:
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
We have heard it said, “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” That has never been more true than when someone is hurting.
A Resource for the Journey
To understand grief more fully—and be able to help others survive grief and loss—order our book: When Loss Comes Close to Home: Finding Hope to Carry On When Death Turns Your World Upside Down by Charlie and Jill LeBlanc.
Whether you’re grieving or walking beside someone who is, this book offers real hope, real help, and heartfelt wisdom.
Helping Heal Broken Hearts,
PS. Don’t miss our brand new USB, “God Of All Comfort” packed full of encouragement and ministry!
