Have you ever been through something so difficult it felt like no one understood how bad you were hurting? I just lost my mom and it hurts, it’s hard to explain to people the emotional and mental struggle of losing a mom you’re very close with. I know where she is, I’m thankful she’s out of pain, I know I’ll see her again, but it still hurts.
One of the more reassuring things people did in this process was share their stories of losing their mom. There’s something comforting about knowing you’re not alone. Lots of people say nice things trying to help, but the most meaningful support came from people who have lost their mom. Those who have been through this knew what I was feeling and could specifically speak to and do things that were helpful because they’ve been there.
This lesson made me think of how Jesus is there for us and how we can be there for others. Jesus can empathize with our pain and suffering because he’s been through it as well. We can go to him for mercy and comfort when we’re hurting. And then we can help others experience mercy and strength from God in the things we’ve been through. He comforts and strengthens so we can in turn comfort and strengthen others with the love God has shown us in our weakness.
Hebrews 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Jesus empathizes with our weaknesses, pain and suffering because he’s been through it too. God became human for a few reasons, one of which was to feel what we feel and face what we face. Jesus is a high priest over the New Covenant, interceding on our behalf, from a place of empathy and mercy.
The one who holds the authority over our eternal destiny is not judging us based on our weaknesses, he stepped into those weaknesses and conquered them for us so he could then turn to us and help us through.
We can do the same thing for others. We can turn and help others out of their weakness and pain. If you’ve been through something, you can minister to others because you know what it’s like.
Sometimes we need others to help us hold firmly to our faith. Sometimes we need others to help us experience God’s mercy. Sometimes we need others to remind us to keep our hearts open to God to receive grace and power when we’re weak. It’s better to receive that kind of input from people who have been through what we’re struggling with at the moment.
If you’ve been through something, ask God to lead you to people who need your help. One of the best ways to move past a painful experience is to help someone else who is in the middle of the same thing. Just being there and sharing your story is comforting.
Don’t minimize your experience, people need you to empathize with them. Share your weaknesses and struggles with others, especially those who are going through something you’ve experienced.
Jesus did it for you, you can do it for others.
