Don't Do These 3 Things When Someone is Suffering!

 

When Christians face difficulties we know that this earthly life will one day be over and we can "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). 

But that doesn't mean suffering is easy for any of us. God wants us to be sympathetic, loving, and compassionate (1 Peter 3:8). 

Let's pray that we can help those who are suffering and avoid these three common mistakes:

1. Don't avoid people because you don't know what to say. 

We can mourn with those who mourn simply by being present and showing them we care (Romans 12:15).

2. Don't recite Romans 8:28 unless they bring it up. 

There may be a time to remind them of this wonderful truth, but immediately after a loss it can come across like we're underestimating their pain.

3. Reject "Christian Karma." 

This is the belief that when something bad happens the person must have done something to deserve it. But Christianity and Karma Are Not Compatible, and God rebuked Job's Friends for this unkind belief. 

When we "carry each other’s burdens," we "fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). And the most important thing we can do - the thing that's always helpful and wise - is to pray for those who are suffering (1 Timothy 2:1).