Sharing Our Sorrows

I’m afraid my cousin is dying,” I confessed with a catch in my voice. I clutched my Bible as I sat in an upstairs room in our church building with a small group of young adults. The class leader had called for prayer requests before he led into that day’s study. While holding back tears, I expressed worry and sorrow about my cousin’s worsening battle with cancer.Instead of concern, though, I was met with awkward silence. The handful of other people in the class wouldn’t meet my eye. Some fidgeted. Then, into the silence, the teacher announced, “Let’s open our books.” My heartache had been overlooked, and I got the message I should keep my sadness to myself instead of burdening others.But, in Christ, there is another way to walk alongside each other during trials. When we turn to Jesus for forgiveness of our sins, we receive new life, a new relationship with God as our Father, and a new place in the family of God.In His Word, the Lord shows us how to interact with those in His family—our brothers and sisters in Christ. He invites us to bear each other’s burdens, including mourning with those who mourn—sharing the load of grief with fellow believers (Romans 12:15; Galatians 6:2).Jesus Himself carried our burdens all the way to the cross. He subjected Himself to the pain and weakness of human life so that He could rescue us. He showed us love and compassion. Now, as His followers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to follow God’s command to offer that same love and compassion to others (John 15:12). • Allison Wilson Lee• Has God’s Word or the presence of Jesus ever comforted you in times of grief or loss? • How can you extend Christ’s compassion to others just by listening when they open up to you? • Have you ever been hurt by a church community? You can share your experience with Jesus, the One who knows our suffering (Hebrews 4:14-16). As you share with Jesus, you can talk with Him about who might be a good person to process your experience with—such as a pastor, parent, counselor, or friend. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 (NIV)

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Rom.12.9-Rom.12.15|Gal.6.2|Rom.12.15