Comfort others in their tribulation

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear? (Proverbs 18:14 ESV)

 It seems obvious that those experiencing famine, war, violence, or torture are facing levels of suffering and loss that are far greater than what most people go through. But many times there are cases of suffering that are severe and debilitating, yet they are borne internally, invisibly. Often, the depths and magnitude of what people are going through aren’t outwardly apparent.
 I know someone who I consider a true saint of God who has faced pain and suffering for much of his life on a scale that I’m certain I could never have endured. Yet, in spite of barely being able to open his eyes sometimes for the pain, he gets up and launches, or sometimes limps, into his day, showing patience and dedication and compassion on others. He’s so positive that you could easily pass by him and not even realize the suffering that he faces daily.
 Besides physical suffering, there is another form of suffering that can be even more intense, yet less visible. The Bible talks about how the spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but “a wounded spirit who can bear?” That would seem to indicate that some spiritual suffering is even more unbearable than the infirmities and suffering of the body and mind.
 Compassion is so essential to helping those we encounter. Showing understanding and mercy can demonstrate God’s unconditional love, even when we don’t know what to do or say. His compassion through us can comfort others in their tribulation with the comfort that we ourselves have been comforted with. —Maria Fontaine [1]

Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God. —Sam Storms

[1] Activated The Superhero Within