Faith & Insight: More than holding space

Have you ever heard the expression “holding space” for someone else? I had not and this isn’t about saving someone else a seat, either.

This expression embodies the idea that another person simply spends time with another in crisis, and listens, so that in that process the one in need has a place to get up and out all they are feeling – producing healing and growth because someone else simply “held space” for them and listened.

As I shared, I was not familiar with this idea and yet, there is nothing new about it. In Galatians we are told: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself...” Galatians 6:1-3

The process outlined in Galatians 6 and within the concept of “holding space” have a specific requirement: community. Who within your life, who also loves Jesus and seeks to live out God’s word, who is a part of your “community” and thus, holding space for you in times of need and times of correction?

Also, how can you grow as compassionate, peace-filled follower of Christ who can hold those God has placed within your reach during their time of need? When we need to hold others accountable, holding space for them means we take that sin seriously, and we will seek to point them toward biblical truth and restoration with God. Why?

Because we love them and want to see all the God-flavoring come alive in their lives. We are not their judge. We are helping them seek our gracious and loving Lord and savior.

And, when we need to hold space for those walking through their own valley of the shadow of death, we must walk alongside them and whatever journey they are facing. How do we do this? We must purpose to resist the need to try and fix the problem, heal the hurt, or repair the damage, and, instead, embrace the tension that exists – using this time of being present with them to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

For when we “hold space” in times of correction and comfort, then both the person in need and the helper can experience a deeper work of God, and we move beyond just holding space for them, to cultivating “holy space” with others. It’s going to include “holding space,” but it’s going to be more – it’s holding spaces in holy places, for a Godly purpose.

May we, as a community of followers of Christ, reflect his surpassing glory in all we say and do. And may we look to God’s word as our ultimate source of authority and truth. When what we feel, or experience contradict his holy, revealed word, may we take on that space in our lives and surrender it to the Lord, creating a holy place for his glory.

Nick Emery is lead pastor at Hope Crossing Community Church.