Acknowledge the Pain of Others

1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:”

The Bible text above tells the reader not to look at trials as though you are the only one experiencing them. It is not a strange thing to have problems. As a matter of fact, trials are an everyday part of life. Troubles and problems aren’t just for a select few.  We all have times that are taxing and troubling. Sometimes the problems are manageable, and other times they are overwhelming. Whether they are large or small, in comparison to other people’s circumstances, they are real to each person going through their particular trial.

In spite of our own trials, we need to be willing to help others as they go through their struggles. When we do this, we may face situations that we have no experience in ourselves and we can’t come up with the words to say. When trying to comfort the brokenhearted, it is important to remember that there are no magic words or special formulas to take away a person’s pain. We can only try to comfort them the best way we can.  Just being a listening ear can be a great help and comfort to someone that is hurting.

Life can change in a moment. A phone call, a diagnosis, a knock at the door, a loss of a loved one, situations that impact our lives in a major way. If life takes it’s “normal” course, we will bury our parents, experience the ill effects of aging, and our bodies will be subject to disease and sickness. There are plenty of challenges to be faced in everyday life.

Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

Our personal trials may be uncommon, compared to most people, but having problems is common to all people. There are times that we can see the storm clouds gathering, so to speak, then there are times that the storm catches us totally off guard.
Matthew 6:34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Every day offers its own set of trials and problems for each of us, but we need to be aware that there are people all around us that are hurting. The Lord allows certain trials to enter our lives, but He has also called us to have compassion and to care about others as they navigate their difficulties. The Christian life is to be a life of service to others. The old acrostic: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last, is a good way to remember that we are all to be servants of Christ and others before we serve ourselves. That concept seems to be lost on many of today’s Christians. Many churches make their Christianity about the church organization, some make it about the people in the church, but the life of a disciple of Christ is about Him and others.

When we see people around us go through difficulties, it is invaluable that we acknowledge their pain. People that are hurting appreciate so much when others “get it.” We can encourage someone by simply letting them know, that we are aware that they are struggling and that they are not alone.

If you haven’t subscribed to our email ministry updates, please sign up by going to the sidebar on our website and give us your info.  We do not give out your information and will only use it for contacting you about what is happening with Living In Spite Of Ministries.