When I read this passage, the first thing that popped into my mind was support groups. Whether the groups are encouraging us, comforting us, or challenging us, we are with people who understand who we are and what we're going through.
I've tried to lose weight ever since child number five was born. I've tried doing with a doctor's help, hypnosis, over the counter supplements and weight loss groups. The most help was with the group because they could help me when I got discouraged and cheered me on when I was succeeding.
I have worked with people who were going through a divorce because I knew what they were going through. I have comforted those who have lost a child because I've been there too, and I've been comforted by those who had suffered.
We don't always know what other people are going through. We have no idea how often we are put into situations where people are suffering who need our support, our comfort and sometimes they need our challenge.
Whether the support we need is spiritual, emotional or physical, it is important to reach out. This is why Weight Watchers, AA and Project Cope work. It is also why those who participate in Bible Studies form a spiritual support group that can go beyond studying the Bible.
I have a friend who lives in another state who belongs to a Bible Study group at her church. Last year she was in the hospital and then rehab for months. The members of this group visited her regularly and once she was home made sure she could get out to church, brought her food and were just there for her.
Some of these people had once been in her situation and were well aware of how to bring her the comfort and support that she needed.
No matter what we may be suffering or have suffered, there is someone who will understand, or one whom you will be able to comfort.
