Providing Comfort for Victims of Abuse - Continue with HOW CAN WE OFFER COMFORT?

Be a good listener. The Bible offers this clear advice: "Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak." ( James 1:19) Are we good listeners?  We might tent to think of listening as a passive act-as if it means nothing more than staying still, looking at the person, and saying nothing. But good listening involves more than that.  For example, Elijah  finally poured out his anguished feelings to Jehovah, and Jehovah truly listened.  Jehovah perceived that Elijah was scared, felt alone, and thought that all his work had been for nothing. Jehovah lovingly  addressed each concern. He showed that he had truly listened to Elijah. - 1 KINGS 19:9-11, 15, 18.

How can we show sympathy and tender compassion-which are expressions of love- while listening?  At times, a few tactful, warm  words may show how we feel. You might say: "I am so sorry that happened to you!  No child should be treated that way!"  Perhaps you could ask a question or two to make sure you understand what anguished friend is saying.  You might ask, "Can you please help me understand what you mean?  or "When you said that, I concluded . . . Did I get it right?"  Such loving expressions may assure the person that you are truly listening, trying to make sure that you understand. - 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4, 7.

Be careful, though, to remain "slow to speak." Do not interrupt to give advice or to correct the person's thinking. And be patient! When Elijah poured our his heart to Jehovah, he spoke in strong terms, expressing anguish. Later, after Jehovah strengthened  Elijah's faith, the man poured out his feelings again, using the very same words.  (1 Kings 19:9, 10,13, 14) The lesson?  Sometimes distressed ones need to pour out their heart more than once.  Like Jehovah, we want to listen patiently.  Rather than trying to provide solutions, we offer sympathy and tender compassion. - 1 PETER 3:8. 

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