We have a saying that only those who have experienced a problem can give us the soundest counsel in resolving the one we face. Which needs some revision.
True; it’s a blessed encouragement to be able to say, “I know you can overcome this situation, for I did when facing it.” That’s sympathy. It’s another, and infinitely more blessed to say, “I didn’t and don’t have your problem, but I can empower you to surmount it.” That’s empathy—a grasp of the issue, not by personally experiencing it, but by a compassion that fuels recovery, whatever faced. The former person can cry with us; the latter can remove the source of our tears. In every situation, Jesus excelled in being the latter person. He had no sin, but he loved sinners SO MUCH! While he overcame temptation, he SO loves all who don’t. In this regard, the mere admission of guilt and repentance suffices to gain God’s forgiveness. However, if sympathy is all we can give the sufferer, because we remain strapped inside the same, or similar problem, GIVE IT. Don’t withhold it because we can’t give empathy. Trust God to provide the needy person with the grace we can’t, the power we haven’t yet accessed, the assurance of conquest we haven’t yet experienced. The Holy Spirit excels in all such cases, admitting the value of our pitiful effort, then bringing to completion by God’s grace what we never can. Be faithful in providing what we can. For so much discipleship consists of doing what we can, overlooking what we can’t. Refusing to think we can’t help a person succeed in defeating what we haven’t yet achieved. For all teaching and preaching consists of God’s Truth, whether or not we have processed it; of God’s overcoming grace, whether or not we have experienced it; of restoration to fellowship with God, even when we find we remain- alienated from him. A vital witness doesn’t depend on our personal embodiment of God’s truth, but of its proclamation. For the very articulation frees the Spirit of God to work his will! Now…a personal note. When passing people on the street on morning walks over the past months, I’ve been saying, “God Bless,” instead of “Have a good day.” Because the very words, “God Bless”, have the ability to LIFT people! And I’ve found that more than a few will return the benediction as given. A shared awareness of GOD results.
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