How to Handle Affliction and SufferingChikamu

Being afflicted makes you a better comforter

“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)

‘A problem shared is a problem halved’, a common saying goes. It can be a great relief to tell someone what is bothering us, what we are worried about or what we have been through. It is comforting when someone genuinely sympathizes with us and shows interest. But it is even better when you notice that they really understand you because they have also experienced what you are going through.

Someone who lost a husband, wife or child can offer comfort after the death of a loved one. Someone who has been ill for a long time understands how difficult it is to be dependent on others' help. Someone who has gone through depression understands how difficult it is to take negative thoughts captive.

So it is with believers who are experiencing affliction, Paul writes. If you have had to suffer for Jesus' sake and have been comforted by God, you can pass that comfort on to others. That is one reason why Paul's own words have so much impact!

Jesus also knows what His children go through. Though innocent, He was condemned to death, tortured, spat upon and mocked. He felt abandoned from God and experienced fear. He can truly comfort you because He understands your affliction.