Its a totally underappreciated expression of God's love. Perhaps it is because it is a difficult thing to put into words.
It offers no imediate solutions or remedy, and yet it is a remedy of sorts. It doesn't sit easily with the blokish sensibilities of lets fix it and move on.
It is the quiet coming alongside with nothing to offer but "I know, its hard, its bloody brutal".
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
We can get so tongue tied when we see a brother slip. We want to come through and find the words and a solution to the problem. Throw anecdotes at it of past victories and drag them out of the fire. Quote a dozen scriptures, share a podcast and wave a sword at the enemy. Good and valid intentions all, but maybe this time requires something different, something more considered.
It is all too raw. So easy to be clumsy. Angels fear to to tread in this space. We bind and we loose and we pray, pray hard but their heart isnt in that place. It is somewhere else.
I remember a phone call with a brother which highlighted this dynamic to me. Both of us were spent, emotionally and physically and we simply didnt have anything to offer.
We weren't having a pity party, we just felt empty. Our swords, which on so many occasions we had used to defend one another, were in their sheaths. The enemy had left, he'd had his fun.
We both recognised the temptation to rescue the other but we chose not to. Both our inability and our stillness created space for Jesus to sit with us.
So don't rush in with the answer when you see a fallen comrade, respect the moment and tune in to what the Spirit is saying.
There maybe a process underway that doesnt require a rallying cry - even if it is that you see what the solution is - pause....
We are not a problem to be resolved, but rather fragile hearts that even our Heavenly Father who made us, respects and carefully navigates.
The treasure here is the fellowship of three cords. Holy ground. A beautiful thing. His tender restoration.
Don't miss it.