Some time ago, I came across a short piece called “The Seventh Friend.” It stayed with me.

When a person is first diagnosed with cancer, many friends come—each carrying words, explanations, or advice.

The first friend arrives in shock:
“I can’t believe this. You were always so healthy.”
He leaves, and the patient feels suddenly different, set apart.

The second friend comes armed with information:
“Whatever you do, don’t take chemotherapy. It’s poison.”
He leaves, and fear and confusion remain.

The third friend tries to answer the unanswerable:
“Maybe God is disciplining you for some sin.”
He leaves, and guilt takes root.

The fourth friend speaks with confidence:
“If your faith is strong enough, God will heal you.”
He leaves, and guilt deepens.

The fifth friend quotes Scripture:
“All things work together for good.”
He leaves, and anger rises.

The sixth friend does not come at all.
And loneliness settles in.

Then the seventh friend comes.
He does not explain.
He does not advise.
He holds a hand and says,
“I care. I’m here. I want to walk with you through this.”
He leaves, and love remains.

It is Christmas. Let us touch one another’s hearts, allowing the birth of the baby Jesus to humble us—teaching us to come not with answers, but with presence; not with words, but with love.

– TaeHun Yoon