In last week’s blog post, we talked about the importance of being willing to share our afflictions with others. Here’s the thing with that – in order from someone to share their struggles, there has to be someone ready to listen.
It’s a scary thing to admit you are “less” than you are supposed to be. Less of an employee. Less of a spouse. Less of a Christian than you’re supposed to be. And it may be the thing that is holding them back is the expectation of ridicule, judgment, and isolation that could come from admitting a fault.
If someone is brave enough to share their shortcomings – let’s call it what it is, their sin – with you be ready to support them. What they’ve experienced has already caused great pain and sorrow in their life. What they’ve done may even carry earthly consequences that must be addressed. This is not to say that you should excuse the sin or downplay it. Just bear in mind the words of the apostle, Paul:
If anyone has caused pain, he has caused pain not so much to me but to some degree – not to exaggerate – to all of you. The punishment inflicted by the majority is sufficient for that person. As a result, you should instead forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, this one may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. Therefore, I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. (2 Corinthians 2:5-8)
Don’t become a further source of grief.
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