Do not tell a story.

When someone tells us about something sad, or a problem, or a misfortune, most of us are tempted to reply with a story of our own. We may sincerely be trying to help the other person feel better, but that is not the way to do it. When a survivor discloses to you, don’t say “Oh yes, that happened to someone in my family. Let me tell you about it.”

If you jump in with a story (even if it’s your own story), it pushes the other person into the background and gives the impression that you’re not really interested in them. Listen carefully, and be sure you’re understanding what the survivor is trying to tell you. Give your full attention to this person whom God has put in your path.

Isn’t that what Jesus would do?

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.com.