A few days ago, a friend shared that she didn’t know if she could relate to someone who was dealing with grief. She had never experienced this type of loss, so could she relate?

I encouraged her that, indeed, she could relate! She may not have experienced exactly the same loss in the exactly the same way, but she knows loss.

Paul, in his letter to the Corinthian church, reminds the believers that ultimately, comfort is from God. God comforts us in our troubles so we can reach out and comfort others.

³All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort.  ⁴He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

There are times when I wonder if I can really relate to someone’s life situation. I wasn’t raised in the city so can I relate to someone who was? I was one of seven children so what do I have to offer an only child? The list goes on and on. How can I relate to someone who is different from me? Maybe we are all the same in different kinds of ways.

It seems to be the season of new song releases and there is one by for King and Country that speaks to this issue. I have enjoyed listening to it and thinking beyond my own limitations and experiences. Maybe it speaks to you as well.