Helping grieving people calls for genuineness, special sensitivity and tenderness, sympathy, and empathy.
Talking Points:
- Walking with someone who is grieving can be challenging. We want to be helpful but we’re not sure what to do. And, we feel a pressure to say the right things.
- Instead of worrying about the right thing to do or say, the best thing we can do is to be genuine and present. It’s about listening and supporting them. Here are some other helpful things to keep in mind.
- Be a patient listener
- Don’t pretend to have an answer
- Don’t be a cheerleader
- Give them permission to express emotions
- Avoid cliches
- Pray for them
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you experienced loss in your life? Explain. What did people do for you that was helpful? What was unhelpful?
- Why is listening such an important part of helping people with grief? See the 5 Stages of Grief here. Which ones do you see people experience most? Why is it good to think about grief in stages?
- What are some cliches or trite phrases people often use with those who grieve? Why are those phrases unhelpful?
- Why is it important to let someone express whatever they’re feeling? Why shouldn’t you act like a cheerleader?
- Read Psalm 34:18. How have you seen God be close to the broken hearted in the past? How have you seen God do new things out of trials?
- What other suggestions would you add to this list?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
