In the country where we live, when someone dies, in addition to the funeral and burial, condolences are held. They might take place in someone's home, in a church, a mosque, or a community center. Chairs are set up in a circle or in rows for people to come in and sit quietly with the family. Often bitter coffee is served, and you might have small talk conversations with those around you, but mostly you just sit with the friends and loved ones of the one who has passed away. Your presence is meant to serve as a form of comfort as you quietly share in their grief. 

Presence can be powerful. Sometimes it is all that is needed to show your love and care. 

In the Biblical story, Job's friends often receive a lot of criticism, and rightly so. But our first introduction to them isn't through their words but through their presence. They came to Job with the expressed purpose of sympathizing and comforting him (Job 2:11). Their grief was great when they saw the state their friend was in. They wept and tore their robes, put dust on their heads, and then they sat on the ground. For seven days and nights they sat with Job in silence (2:13).  

Their presence clearly communicated their love for their dear friend. Only after sitting together for days did Job finally open up and speak to them.

We see a similar pattern in the story of David, when he was fasting and praying for God to save the life of his son. As he was lying on the ground, the elders in his household were standing by, ready to offer help when needed (2 Samuel 12:15-17). But for seven days, they did nothing. They were just there. 

I believe that so many of us who answer the call to cross-cultural ministry are doers, go-getters, fixers. And those traits often serve us well in this life we live. But sometimes we can't, or maybe we aren't meant to fix things. Sometimes our quiet presence is the best way we can communicate the love of Christ to the hurting world around us.