Proverbs 25:20: Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

Insight

Trying to perk up by songs a person who is discouraged or depressed (a heavy heart) is as cruel as stealing his garment in cold weather. It is also like pouring vinegar … on soda; it is useless and it causes a violent reaction. Being insensitive and unsympathetic does much harm. 1

Application

A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance. Ecclesiastes 3:4

Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and to lead you in responding appropriately to a friend. Sometimes it is more important to just be there for them without words. Be patience. You have not been called to “fix them.” You have been called to love them.

Motivation

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15

A quiet friend can say a lot with very few words. – TWEET IT

Prayer

Father, please help me to learn from You, about ministering to others.

1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.

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Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg

Tommy Blumberg was ordained as a Calvary Chapel pastor in 1985, where he served as an assistant pastor at Calvary Fellowship, in Seattle. In 1992, Pastor Tom, his wife Pam, and their three daughters moved to Bellingham and began a Bible study, which led to the founding of Calvary Chapel Northwest. Tom blogs regularly at TommyBlumberg.com.