Do you think that a lot of chruches are in happy,happy, joy. joy mode? I used to think, what is this person problem why arent they joyful they act like they are at a funeral in church? They should ba thankul, then in 2003-2004 through a series of hard lesson and advesrsity I got "knocked off my high horse and knock on my backside" its hard to be joyful when you are in pain, suffering, and if you never get a break in life, my question, how do I minister to those that have it hard in life and dont have joy and how do I be compassionate towards these people? How do I NOT push this on people and be a light? This has been on my heart thank you for your answers and God bless you.
2006-11-30 12:11:36 · 7 answers · asked by encourager4God 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
One of the most annoying things is when the "worship leader" in church announces: "ALRIGHT! I WANT TO SEE A SMILE ON EVERY FACE!" I mean, even Jesus didn't smile all the time! He wept for Jerusalem, He wept for Lazarus and his family, He wept for Himself at Gethsemane.
When you have a child who has become mentally ill, and wants to commit suicide, you just don't feel like grinning in church. When you learn that one of your children has been abused, you don't feel like shouting "halleluia!". There is a time for everything.
And sometimes, I think, it is alright to just break down and cry in church if you have to, and it should be accepted.
The best thing you can do for someone you think is not experiencing joy inlife is just to come along side them and give them a quick hug. If you ask them how they are doing, look them in the eye, and say: "How are you doing .... really?" - and if you do that Sunday morning, don't do it 30 seconds before the service will start. In fact, the best thing is to invite them out for a coffee or something, and then ask them the question. And when they start to tell you, listen. don't talk, listen. And if you feel teary, let yourself cry with or for them. But don't put it on. Just let yourself be affected naturally. We call that "bearing one another's burdens".
Don't ask questions they feel forced to answer. Just listen in a non-judgmental way, and they will feel it is safe to tell you more, if not that time, some time later.
BOY! Did you ever set me off for a long one! Sorry about that, but I think I won't erase.
God bless!
EDIT:
Just about all those who have answered before me have given excellent advice.
2006-11-30 12:55:03 · answer #1 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll have to tell you to pray before speaking to those hurting. Be careful what you say because a lot of what Christians say in trying to help, causes more pain. One of the best things to do is to listen, listen to the person closely because saying much of anything. Find where they are coming from first because coming at them with, what I lovingly call "Christian Bumperstickers" might make matters worse. Try never to ask "have you prayed about it?" because more than likely they have and are now thinking "Gee... I never thought of that o.0" Actually someday Id like to write a book about what Christians should NOT say when trying to help or lead others.
2006-11-30 12:18:27 · answer #2 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you testified about this in church and asked your pastor about how you have a burden to help those who have had same problems. Sometimes when you know someone in your church is having same problems go to them and share a kind word of encouragement. Tell them they can call you anytime when they need a prayer partner or just a shoulder to lean on. God bless you in what ever he has in store for you.
2006-11-30 12:19:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I used to work at a girls home. They were teenagers who were abused in every way. They hated the world and themselves. They wished they were dead. I felt their pain, because I was once like them. But, I found Jesus, who gave me happiness through a friend who was so filled with faith and hope. She spoke all the time of Jesus and the scriptures, but it was her actions. Watching her live like Jesus wanted us too. She loved everyone, forgave those who had hurt her, and made time to help everyone who needed help and of course witnessed. Sometimes, when someone is hurting, silence is the best, but your actions will speak for you--live for Jesus, and they will see it and in time, you will be able to speak to them with the help of the holy spirit. God bless you!
2006-11-30 12:22:01 · answer #4 · answered by Jesus junkie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The easy answer is to love them and offer your services with out judgment.
2006-11-30 12:18:42 · answer #5 · answered by saintrose 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've experienced pain (as all of us do and will in our lives) and you know what it feels like. All I can say is, use the empathy you are now able to have.
2006-11-30 12:15:39 · answer #6 · answered by daisyk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it must change ur life drastically
2006-11-30 14:52:16 · answer #7 · answered by george p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋