Who is hurting?
So many people I know are facing serious illnesses and deaths in their families lately. Our family has been grieving over the loss of my Meemaw. She passed away on January 1, and we had her memorial service this past weekend.
Last week I came across a link on Facebook to a live stream of a concert held in honor of those lives lost at Sandy Hook called “A Night of Hope & Healing.” I was so blessed to watch this concert featuring some wonderful Christian artists as well as Louie Giglio and Max Lucado. One of the guests was Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth. She shared a little of their story of the loss of their little girl nearly five years ago. It was touching to listen to her try to give some hope to other grieving parents. She could by no means take their pain away, but she could offer her support and encouragement by sharing her pain and her story.
This reminded me of how we are supposed to be as Christians. We are supposed to come together and lift up those who are hurting or grieving. In Romans we read “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15
Through my own loss I have realized again how comforting it is during a time of grief to have others offer their support and condolences. I’ve received many cards and messages that have meant so much. I have been reminded how being compassionate to others in time of loss really does help.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 1:3–5
We serve a compassionate Savior, and we in turn are to show compassion to others. What difficulties have you gone through in your life that you can now use to be an encouragement to someone else going through that same difficulty right now?
Have you watched a loved one die from cancer? Have you grieved the death of a child? Have you lost your home and belongings to fire? Have you lost your job and financial security? Do you live with a chronic medical condition? Have you suffered a miscarriage? Have you lost a spouse? Someone you know is undoubtedly walking through a trial at this time. We all face trials, and those trials have hopefully made us stronger in our relationship with Christ as well as taught us lessons about His faithfulness. When we know others going through these same difficulties, we need to be sure to encourage and offer them the same comfort that we received when we were walking the same road. Look for someone this week that you can encourage and show Christ’s compassion.
Have a day of blessings!
Amen my sweet friend.
You are right, Bethany. Yes we have trials and tribulations, but with God’s help we can be someone in someone’s life to be encouraging.
I am sorry about the loss of your Meemaw. I know it hurts to lose someone close to your heart. May God give you comfort and peace.