Like Jesus with the sisters of Lazarus in the crucible of grief (John 11:17-44):
1. BE REAL (He wept.)
2. BE QUIET (He took their angry rebukes.)
3. BE SUPPORTIVE (He was deeply moved.)
4. BE AVAILABLE (He stayed by their side.)
No big sermons.
No leaflets.
No attempt to correct their understandings.
Not even a frown that suggested disapproval.
He left grief run its course.
Our Lord believed, as we should, that we are healed of grief only when we express it to the full. Perhaps this explains why so many are grieving... and so few are comforting.
(from "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life" by Charles R.