Reflections

II Corinthians 1:3ff

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.

Empathy: The ability to share in another’s emotions, thoughts or feelings.

It is beneficial (although not fun) to walk in another’s shoes for a time. I have been thinking about this over the past month or more as I have encountered various aches and pains. We all go though things in our lifetime that are not fun such as prolonged pain or sickness, loss of a job, a failure, loneliness, the hospitalization of a loved one, even facing death or perhaps financial problems. No temptation (or condition) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13.

As we go through various things we will be able to relate to other’s suffering and will be able to encourage and comfort them.

I am going to try to be more empathetic and comforting to others and encourage myself that this too shall pass.