“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:14–16

What a blessing it is for the Lord to give us such a calling—to be a light for His glory in a dark and hurting world. Oh, how He loves us!

Yet, being the hands and feet of Jesus can often feel daunting, especially when we encounter others who are experiencing pain, trauma, and suffering.

How do we persevere in Christ’s mission when confronted with trauma and brokenness in the lives of those to whom we witness and minister? How do we continue to walk with empathy and compassion when the weight of their burdens feels so heavy?

1. Remember That Nothing and No One is Greater Than God. Not Even Trauma.

“For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat; for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall.” — Isaiah 25:4

When we encounter someone clearly in need, we can get overwhelmed by their situation. Our minds often become flooded with our own biases, judgments, and ideas on how to “fix” them.

We need to remember that God is a haven for the hurting. Therefore, His work through us begins with providing a safe environment and a listening ear. Then we can reflect His peace and presence through the Holy Spirit’s work in us and through us.

"Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces." — Ann Voskamp

2. Follow Their Lead

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” — Ephesians 4:2

If you are blessed in such a way to be a potential safe person for a survivor of trauma, don’t rush them! I cannot stress enough that it is about meeting them on their level and listening for what they need.

I love the book of Luke, chapter 19, where Jesus called out to Zacchaeus and let him know He would be joining him for dinner. It was a loving expression of Jesus meeting Zacchaeus where he was, calling him by name, and spending time with him.

3. Avoid Assumptions About Trauma and Its Survivors

“Some wounds never show on the body, but they are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” — Laurell K. Hamilton

Trauma is not simple or uniform. Everyone processes pain differently. Avoid making any assumptions and instead, lead with prayer and guidance.

Many times, as a therapist, I find myself seeking the Lord’s guidance on how to respond to someone in pain. Am I able to effectively use the therapy tools I have learned as a Social Worker? Yes! But ultimately, it is my love and desire to hear from the Lord that enables me to connect on a deeper level.

This is something we all have as Christians! So, when the words won’t come or you’re overwhelmed with fear of saying the wrong things, simply ask the Maker of empathy and connection Himself.

• “Lord, what can I say? How can I help in a way that honors you?”
• “Lord, please allow your words to be heard and felt by them.”
• “Please fill them with your peace and comfort.”

4. Allow Suffering to Shape You into a More Compassionate Soul

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” — Romans 12:15

It is easier and less painful to shut out the pain and injustices of the world, but it is far more impactful if we allow ourselves to be brokenhearted over what breaks Jesus’s heart.

As a therapist, I have often heard, “Nothing hurts quite like Christian love,” and, of course, it is said out of malice and judgment because they have been outcast or offended by someone proclaiming the name of God.

This is what we fight against! Being the hands and feet of Jesus means allowing ourselves to feel the sorrow of others and meet them in the midst of their grief. We see in the book of John where Jesus wept over the loss of His friend, Lazarus. In the book of Luke, He cried out for the suffering and sin in Jerusalem. And again, in the New Testament, we see Him angry and protective of God’s house because of those trying to corrupt it. It is okay to weep and be angry! You can use that to connect on a more empathetic level with an individual.

"Empathy is a strange and powerful thing. There is no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It's simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of 'You're not alone'." — Brené Brown

5. Never Stop Growing in Christ

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” — 2 Corinthians 4:16

Growth—emotional, mental, spiritual—often happens in the midst of discomfort, including walking with people in their pain and suffering.

But in the distress and disorientation that ministry can bring, know that God is always renewing you, upholding you, and helping you to reach a place of understanding that only He can give you. That is what we can rely on when we are called to be His hands and feet. Always and forever.