How to Avoid Self-Pity When Struggling

There have been times in my life when I’ve really needed to share my struggles, and God has blessed me with Christian friends who’ve listened, asked questions, and prayed. See Faith Revealed in Listening.

 

There have also been times when I’ve shared my struggles with a Christian friend, and they’ve not really listened, or they've started talking about their own struggles and ignoring mine.

 
Recently, I was convicted of doing this myself. I’m going through some real struggles in my life at this time, dealing with the recovery from my hip replacement, unexpected house repairs, sad choices of several loved ones, and serious concerns for the attitudes of many Christians who are letting themselves be shaped by culture, not Scripture.

Twice in the last few weeks, friends have shared their struggles with me, and I’ve had to apologize afterwards because I've not been a good listener and I've blabbed too much about my own challenges. I am reminding myself of these two things:

 
1. Part of Christian fellowship is rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). We shouldn't focus on our challenges when others need our encouragement. See Romans 12:15 – Rejoice and Mourn.

2. One way to pull ourselves out of self-pity is to quit focusing on ourselves and look for ways we can help and encourage others (1 Thessalonians 5:11). See 3 Ways to Comfort Friends Who Are Hurting.

If you're struggling, make sure you don't let your suffering blind you to opportunities to encourage others.

 

💙💙💙 

 

Christmas Gift Idea: 

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