Before getting together as a family, or each time you’ll be around a grieving family member, pray that you will have a sensitive heart toward them. Ask for the Spirit’s discernment to know what each person needs, in terms of a kind word, comfort, or understanding, even despite your own expectations and needs for comfort. Everyone grieves differently, and sometimes the worst in us can come out, especially among family, so pray that God will help you extend grace toward others and be sensitive to what they’re going through. Proverbs 15:1 in the Contemporary English Bible says, “A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.” Feelings are volatile when family members are grieving (or trying not to), so sensitivity and grace go a long way.
While our culture says that you and your feelings are all that matter, having a heart that extends grace and seeks to encourage others, despite your hurt, will pour salve on wounds. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (NASB). Pray for a sensitive heart and pleasant words to help heal others’ hurts and yours.
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