Comforting Others--Do We Have to Know What It's Like?

 Thoughts on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (part 6)

"...that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,..." 2 Corinthians 1:4

7. We can comfort others in ANY trouble.
Have you ever felt like you can't help somebody because you don't know what it's like to go through what they're going through? It's easy to feel helpless because we don't know what to say.
In the last 5 years, I have gone through some hard times. Our fourth baby was born with Down Syndrome and heart problems. Her first year we were in hospital as much as we were home. Then two years ago, I had two miscarriages in a row. There were a lot of people who helped and encouraged us through both of these hard times. Yet in the first case, most of those people didn't know what it was like to have a baby with Down Syndrome or with heart problems. There were a few who did, and it was very nice to talk to those people and ask them questions. But the people who didn't know, were also a great help and comfort to us. 

When I had my miscarriages, I discovered that a lot of my friends had also had one at some point. It was so nice to talk to those who had been through something similar. But the people who didn't know what it was like, were just as helpful. My sisters, who don't know what it's like to even have their own child, were a comfort to me.They sent me flowers, chocolates, loving messages and encouraging songs etc.  My mum came and stayed the second time and helped me out with babysitting etc. She didn't know what it was like, but she was a huge help and comfort to me just by being there for me and doing what she could.
 I have never lost someone really close to me, so I don't know what that's like. But that doesn't mean that I can't be a help to someone who has suffered in that way. I can't say, "I know how you feel" or "I know what it's like," but I can say, "I'm so sorry, that must be awful." I can still send them loving messages or cards, give them a hug, pray for them or help in some practical way. I might feel lost as in what to say, but I can help just by being there and showing I care.
Whatever you have been through or haven't been through, you can be a comfort and a help to others who need it.