How Trials Help Us Help Others

This truth might surprise some believers but trials actually help us help others. How so? By us having experiencing the testing of our faith, we can counsel others.

The Apostle Paul summed this up perfectly in 2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4 (BBE) when he wrote, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; Who gives us comfort in all our troubles, so that we may be able to give comfort to others who are in trouble, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Likewise, the experiences and writings of the Old Testament saints are helpful to encourage one another. Romans 15:4 (BBE) reminds us, "Now those things which were put down in writing before our time were for our learning, so that through quiet waiting and through the comfort of the holy Writings we might have hope."

And in times of peace, we are also comforted. We read in Acts 9:31 (BBE) what happened after Saul became Paul. "And so the church through all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was made strong; and, living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was increased greatly."

But as we read in 1 John 3:23 (BBE), we are commanded to care for one another by our Heavenly Father. "And this is his law, that we have faith in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love for one another, even as he said to us."

Another aspect of comforting one another is admonishing against unfaithfulness. Hebrews 3:12 and 13 BBE) reminds us, "My brothers, take care that there is not by chance in any one of you an evil heart without belief, turning away from the living God: But give comfort to one another every day as long as it is still Today; so that no one among you may be made hard by the deceit of sin:"

Finally, Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 7:1 (BBE) why it's so important that we keep each other encouraged and faithful. "Because God, then, will give us such rewards, dear brothers, let us make ourselves clean from all evil of flesh and spirit, and become completely holy in the fear of God."

Because we love God and each other, we naturally wish to help one another. I'll point this unfeigned love out in my next book, You Think You're Going to Heaven? People must understand this truth or their deeds will be phony.

On Saturday, I'll feature a song about the futility of fighting the police.