Suffering

Suffering

MY QUESTION for GOD

How do I help someone who is suffering?

A MOMENT with GOD

Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.

Luke 10:34

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

1 Corinthians 12:26

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15

Suffering is a universal experience. Some suffering comes as a result of chance circumstances, such as a car accident that maims someone or an illness that ravages or even takes the life of a loved one. Some suffering happens because of neglect, such as failure to prepare for difficult times. Sometimes suffering comes because you choose it, such as when you willingly take on enormous responsibilities in order to achieve a certain goal. Other times suffering comes from sin, such as when you deliberately go against God’s commands and then suffer the consequences. Whatever the source, at some point everyone falls under the dark shadow of suffering. You won’t always be able to explain it to those you lead, but maybe the divine moment is realizing that you don’t have to explain it. We don’t usually know why suffering has come into the life of a certain person, and one of the worst mistakes a leader can make is to lead in ignorance. Remind yourself of two important aspects of suffering—it hurts, but then it helps when it brings comfort to others. Suffering enables a person to comfort others, which becomes a divine moment for everyone. When you join in someone else’s suffering, you choose to be wounded along with them. Woundedness may appear to weaken you, but it actually makes you stronger. When others are hurting, suffer along with them to bring them—and you—comfort and hope.

DIVINE PROMISE

ALL PRAISE TO GOD, THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. GOD IS OUR MERCIFUL FATHER AND THE SOURCE OF ALL COMFORT. HE COMFORTS US IN ALL OUR TROUBLES SO THAT WE CAN COMFORT OTHERS. WHEN THEY ARE TROUBLED, WE WILL BE ABLE TO GIVE THEM THE SAME COMFORT GOD HAS GIVEN US.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4