The Power of Presence

“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.'” Matthew 26:38

In moments of deep sorrow, we often think that the best way to help is through words—offering advice, answers, or solutions. But sometimes, what is most needed is not a brilliant mind that speaks, but a heart that listens, a presence that comforts.

Jesus, in His moment of anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, did not ask His disciples to offer wise counsel or find a solution to His suffering. Instead, He asked them to simply stay with Him, to be present in His pain. “Stay here and keep watch with me,” He said (Matthew 26:38). Even Jesus, in His darkest hour, sought the companionship of those who would be there with Him, sharing in His grief.

Reflecting on this, I realize how often I have relied on what I “know to be right” rather than listening with my heart. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that having the right answer is the most important thing. Yet, how many times has my rush to “fix” something caused more harm than good? Like Job inJob 2:11-13, who didn’t need his friends’ wisdom but their presence in his suffering, we too often fail to recognise that what people need in their pain is not correction or solutions, but compassion and empathy.

I’ve come to see that kindness—being present with someone in their struggle—is far more important than being right. When we take the time to listen, to sit with others in their pain without the pressure of offering an answer, we reflect the heart of Jesus. He didn’t demand His disciples fix His situation; He asked for their presence.

When their brother Lazarus died, Martha and Mary were deeply grieving. When Jesus arrived, they both expressed their sorrow, but what stands out is how Jesus didn’t just offer a solution or dismiss their grief. He mourned with them. The Bible says, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35), showing that even the Son of God recognized the importance of sitting with others in their sorrow. Martha and Mary had the courage to share their pain, and Jesus stayed with them in their grief, bringing comfort and hope.

Let us remember that sometimes the most powerful act of love is not in speaking, but in being with someone—walking alongside them through their sorrow. May we have the wisdom to choose kindness over the need to be right, offering our hearts instead of our answers.

Lord, help me to listen more deeply and love more fully. Teach me the power of presence, of simply being there for others in their pain. Help me to remember that sometimes, my presence speaks louder than my words. May I follow the example of Jesus, who in His sorrow, sought the support of those who simply watched and prayed with Him. Amen.

Kay Alli