Principles and Values
«Who [God] comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God» (2 Corinthians 1:4)
Helen Keller’s story of resilience is well-known by many people. An illness left her completely deaf and blind when she was nineteen months old. Regardless, she became a relevant international figure due to her writings and activism for blind, mute, and deaf people. A lesser known story is the role played by her teacher, Ann Sullivan, who, with patience and determination, taught Helen how to speak, read and «listen» with her hands. This was mainly possible because Ann had had serious vision problems and understood Helen’s limitations and frustrations.Clinical psychology also admits that the psychologist who has gone through the same painful situations as his patient did is more who ca kas able of empathizing with him. For example, it is helpful to have a counselor suffered from depression to treat those who have symptoms of depression, or one who has fought addiction to treat the addict.
Today’s verse reminds us that when we experience tribulations, we are more empowered to assist those who are affected by them too. Moreover, the process becomes perfect when we have received God’s comfort and help. This makes us capable of comforting others in the same way God did to us.
Of course, nobody likes suffering, but at least we can acknowledge the usefulness of the tribulation as a way of helping others. And this is not the only reason. Suffering also helps us to experience personal development and maturity. Paul writes to the Romans and tells them that tribulation produces endurance, character, and hope (Romans 5:4, NRSV). Furthermore, the prophet Isaiah talks about purification through affliction, «Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction (Isa. 48:10). Another lesson that difficulties bring to us is that it enables us to see the consequences of evil to avoid it, «Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted» (Ps. 107: 17).
When you deal with difficulties, think about these verses and subscribe to the idea that neither tribulation, distress, persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger nor the sword will be able to separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39).
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & AlejandraZavala
