Earlier this summer was reading Job 16:1-5, it was a gentle reminder as to when to give advice to those who are suffering or growing through great difficulties in their lives. Job called his friends, "sorry comforters."
Then Job answered,
"I have heard many such things; Sorry comforters are you all.
"Is there no limit to windy words? Or what plagues you that you answer?
"I too could speak like you, If I were in your place. I could compose words against you And shake my head at you.
"I could strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips could lessen your pain.
Sometime it's tempting when we share similar difficulties to think that our situation is a lot more difficult than the person we're having the conversation with. Personally I find this extremely annoying. Each situation, procedure, or difficulty is unique just as each individual is. There is no way anyone could fully understand what another person goes through. I realize that often times these statements are made because of anxieties that individual has and perhaps this is their only way of working through the trial. Regardless of the rationale they may give, I'm choosing to exercise grace and mercy.
As I ponder what Scripture teaches us, it doesn't teach us to put ourselves or our situations above another individuals. It clearly instructs us to bear one another's burdens. It tells us that in the body of Christ the part that seems more unseemly, we need to give greater honor.
So the next time, you're tempted to share and compare, watch over your heart with all diligence. Please make sure you don't minimize the other person's situation and think only of your situation.
One my favorite new sites to visit, click here. It's LibrioVox, acoustical liberation of books in the public domain. Recently discovered "Stepping Heavenward," by Elizabeth Prentiss (1818-1878). I've actually have a copy of this book. I have read the first two chapters, but have allowed the distractions of life to prevent me from completing it. Now I've downloaded it to my iPod and am listening to it as I'm writing this posting. 