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 anyone loses their main source of income, almost immediately another person steps forward to offer aid, remembering their own journey through financial struggle years earlier. Again and again we see church people supporting and encouraging one another. These Christians have learnt 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 Saviour who knows our suffering, and we honour Him when we pass His comfort on to others.

May we never leave someone to suffer alone. If we know someone who is struggling, God will help us to guide that person to His presence—the surest comfort of all.

Author

Randy Kilgore

Topics

Our Daily Bread