4 Ways to Use Your Trials to Help Others
Published August 6, 2020
If there is one true thing about life, it’s that everyone is suffering. No one is immune to it – from the wealthiest of men to that homeless guy huddled in a street corner. It comes in various forms and degrees, and we all have our own ways of hiding it.
Though it feels otherwise, suffering is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. Without trials, life would be boring. It keeps us grounded and reminds us of our humanity. With each trial we surpass, we grow and become better persons.
Trials and sufferings are also God’s way of pulling us closer to him. Because if life is all sunshine and rainbows, would we still remember to call unto him? Will we be able to appreciate his blessings if we didn’t experience hardships?
But trials do not just strengthen our relationship with God. It’s also an opportunity to help others who are fighting battles of their own. Here are four ways you can use your trials to help others.
Share
At times, you may feel like the world is ganging up on you. It’s like you have no one to turn to, and no one understands what you’re going through.
In that, you are not alone. Most of us have had that moment at some point in our lives. We become so consumed with our sufferings that we tend to disregard others. As a result, we feel like we are all alone and that no one can help us.
But God did not give us trials to isolate us. Instead, he wants us to share each other’s burdens.
You may be going through a tough time today, but so are others. If we share each other’s load, no problem would be too much to bear.
Just asking someone about their day or listening to them can make a big difference. Now, imagine a whole community doing that for each other. Life would be infinitely much better.
Comfort
Comforting others when you are going through a tough time yourself might sound difficult. But there is no better person to comfort others than someone who knows what it feels to be in a dark place.
Most of the time, we underestimate the power of a few comforting words. But to someone who’s in a difficult situation, it can leave a profound and unique impression. It puts things into perspective and eases their suffering, even just for a bit.
This is what God wants us to do. He comforts us in our suffering so we too can comfort others. In fact, in his epistle to the Corinthians, St. Paul said:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
Understand
Being in a bad place ourselves helps us understand better why people do what they do. And with that understanding comes compassion.
Most of the time, we judge people without knowing where they’re coming from or what they’re going through. Admit it or not, we tend to stereotype others just because of how they look, sound, and act.
It’s just like how most people see the homeless as vagabonds who are too lazy to work. Yet, very few would bother to ask why they became homeless.
But if you’ve been in their shoes, you’ll understand. Your prejudices will be shattered, leaving only compassion and empathy.
Inspire
When we see someone who triumphs despite the adversities, we feel encouraged. It gives us a sense of assurance that we too can overcome ours.
This is one of the ways you can use your trial to help others. Your success can inspire and encourage them to keep on fighting. For people who are going through so much, that little bit of inspiration can go a long way. It gives them hope and the motivation to get themselves out of the bad place they’re in.
So go ahead. Conquer your problems and inspire the world.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and devoted Christian. She has a passion for writing about topics related to morality and helping the poor and homeless. She is the lead author for the Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen blog.
Correct Digital, Inc is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.
