Never Let Them Suffer Alone

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) 

Over the years, I established five principles for pastoring in our small town. The third rule is quite simple – never let someone suffer alone. In weeks like these when suffering has rolled across our community like the raging waves of a storm, this practice is crucial for us all. Let me say two things about this principle. 

One, this principle comes from a pattern set for us throughout the Scriptures. When Israel was suffering in Exodus, God sent Moses. When Moses asks for God’s name, what does He say? “I will be with you.” (Ex. 3:12) In their most trying times, God’s promised presence was key. Throughout the wilderness wanderings, the pillar of fire and the pillar of cloud never left them. When they entered the land, He practically lived on the same street as them through the Tabernacle and later Temple. The Old Testament is riddled with promises that “the LORD is near the broken hearted and crushed in spirit.” (Ps. 34:18, 147:3; Is. 57:15, 66:2) And what of Christ – the Word who took on flesh and tabernacled among us? Christ drew near those suffering leprosy and loss. Christ drew near to the mother-in-law’s sickbed and the brother’s tomb. We speak often of Christ’s works and Christ’s words, but we cannot underestimate Christ’s presence. Even now, the same remains true by the Spirit. Though Christ is in heaven, He dwells among us by His Spirit to strengthen us by His presence. The pattern is clear: God does not let His people suffer alone. 

But notice one other key point – the LORD sent Moses. When Moses was afraid, He sent Aaron. To Paul, He sent Timothy and a whole host of others. Can our God support us in suffering by His own presence? Of course! However, because of our weakness, He often condescends and supports us through the presence of others. In a similar way to how God strengthens us through the Lord’s Supper, engaging all of our senses, so too He supports us by sending us a Christian friend to put their arm around us and listen to our sorrows. 

How do we put this principle into practice? The answer is simple: never let someone suffer alone. Go to those who are hurting, ask about their sorrows, remind them of God’s kindness, pray with and for them, or say nothing at all. At times, your presence alone will be a living reminder that God never lets them suffer alone.