I've been there ... so what!
"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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves were comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ." (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
So often, when we know that a brother or sister is going through some type of trial, we search our past experiences to find whether or not we've suffered the same way. Then, we go to them and share our past experience and tell them that we've been there, and that we know what they're going through, and that we'll be praying for them. This morning, God spoke to me through this passage of Scripture in 2 Corinthians, letting me know that if I comfort others in this way, then I do not honor Him in my comforting of them. While it may be fine to share my experiences with my brethren, this is not considered the "comfort" spoken of in the Word. If I tell you that I've been there, so what? How does that bring you any benefit? We are told in v. 4 that we are given comfort by God so that we may share that same comfort with another who is experiencing the same trial. When life is difficult, my God comforts me through His Word and shows me the hope that shines through the darkness and pain. That shining hope is Christ! Jesus tells me that He's been there and that He knows what I'm going through, because He's been tempted in every way. He's also suffered in every way. Now, that is comforting, because I know that Christ persevered through all trials and suffering, yet without sinning! In fact, He suffered with great joy!
So, next time you hear of a trial in a sister's (or brother's) life, you may search your mind for examples from what you've suffered ... you may even decide to share them ... but, don't fail to search your heart for the Scripture God used to bring you comfort. Share that! Then, through God's grace you will comfort your sister (or brother), and thereby honor God in so doing.
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:1-5)
So often, when we know that a brother or sister is going through some type of trial, we search our past experiences to find whether or not we've suffered the same way. Then, we go to them and share our past experience and tell them that we've been there, and that we know what they're going through, and that we'll be praying for them. This morning, God spoke to me through this passage of Scripture in 2 Corinthians, letting me know that if I comfort others in this way, then I do not honor Him in my comforting of them. While it may be fine to share my experiences with my brethren, this is not considered the "comfort" spoken of in the Word. If I tell you that I've been there, so what? How does that bring you any benefit? We are told in v. 4 that we are given comfort by God so that we may share that same comfort with another who is experiencing the same trial. When life is difficult, my God comforts me through His Word and shows me the hope that shines through the darkness and pain. That shining hope is Christ! Jesus tells me that He's been there and that He knows what I'm going through, because He's been tempted in every way. He's also suffered in every way. Now, that is comforting, because I know that Christ persevered through all trials and suffering, yet without sinning! In fact, He suffered with great joy!
So, next time you hear of a trial in a sister's (or brother's) life, you may search your mind for examples from what you've suffered ... you may even decide to share them ... but, don't fail to search your heart for the Scripture God used to bring you comfort. Share that! Then, through God's grace you will comfort your sister (or brother), and thereby honor God in so doing.
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:1-5)
Amen, a true Christian will only be comforted by the word of God!
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