I’ve
noticed through the years that those who have suffered are quick to comfort
other sufferers. When a young couple suffers the loss of a child, another
couple who also lost a child in the past asks if they can help. If a couple
loses their main income, almost immediately another couple steps forward to
offer their aid, remembering their own journey through foreclosure years
earlier. Again and again we see the body of Christ supporting and encouraging
one another. These Christians have learned that they can use the trials they’ve
been through to reach out to others going through similar difficulties.
Have you
been sick? Lost a loved one? Been imprisoned? Unfairly treated? In all of our
trials, God promises to bring something good out of even our darkest moments
(James 1:2-4). One key way this takes place is when we share the comfort He
offered us with those who are now going through trials.
As Paul
points out in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, we are comforted by a Savior who knows our
suffering, and we honor Him when we pass His comfort on to still others.
May we never leave someone to suffer alone. If we know the trail another is on, God will help us to guide that person to His presence—the surest comfort of all.
God comforts us so that we can comfort others. (RBC)
