When we’re suffering, it’s easy to get caught up in our own struggles and focus solely on our own issues. However, we don’t have to search far to find others suffering just like us and, sometimes, facing more difficulties than us. What our suffering does is grant us the ability to truly understand the hurting world around us with compassion, care, and empathy. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 tells us:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV)
When I’m suffering, I find great encouragement from those who’ve walked the same or a similar path. It’s a testimony that if God brought them through, He can do so for me as well. This gives me great comfort. In my suffering, I too can offer this same gift of comfort to others.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for helping me to see the challenges of others and provide comfort, a listening ear, and a compassionate spirit. Give me the boldness to listen to the testimony of others and to be encouraged and uplifted by Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen
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