Recently I was talking with someone I had not seen for quite a while. In the course of the conversation, she asked me how I was doing. I shared with her briefly about the pulmonary embolism. Her eyes kind of glazed over and she changed the subject.
WHY DOES PAIN FRIGHTEN PEOPLE?
Why does pain frighten people? Are they afraid of asking an awkward question? Are they fearful of not being able to come up with the right words? If the person is a believer, are they nervous regarding a God Who will permit a great deal of pain in another believer’s life?
THREE GROUPS OF PEOPLE
I have come across at least three groups of people. There are those who back away quickly from pain being experienced by others. Then there are those who are like the disciple Peter. When Peter witnessed the transfiguration of Christ, he kind of flew into a panic and decided to build little houses for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. That was kind of weird, but Peter thought he had to fill in air time and be busy. Then there are those who enter the pain of the other person and encourage. These are the warriors. They have chosen to obey Galatians 6: 2: Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
YOU ARE NOT THAT IMPORTANT!
Don’t forget the zinger written in verse 3: If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Do I consider my schedule so important that I can’t talk to someone who is in pain? Am I willing to go beyond my comfort level when I feel at a loss to help the other person feel whole? My God is big enough to handle my fears regarding situations filled with pain.
THE GOLDEN TICKET
For a believer entering into such conversations in which the other believer is in pain, we have the “Golden Ticket” from Jesus as promised in John 14: 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE AFRAID
If you truly are a believer in the words of Jesus Christ and consider them totally true, then you don’t have to be afraid of those awkward conversations. It isn’t just you and the other person. It is you, the other person, and the Holy Spirit. What a lovely set-up for what could be a life-changing encounter!