“Jesus Christ Feels Your Pain!”

“Jesus Christ Feels Your Pain!”
Back in the days on the African continent life was communal. Everybody belonged and was connected to one another. The concern of one was the concern of the community. Pain was shared, joy was shared.
Those who were bereaved received unending comfort and support during their moments of mourning. There were always people available to provide shoulders for the mourners to lean on and there were people with timely words of comfort.
Then came the disruption of this communal social frabric through the adoption of foreign cultures without commensurate adaptation.
Such too was the kind of lifestyle of the Jews of Jesus’ day(Jn.11:28-37). See this kind of shared concern at the funeral of Lazarus: When Jesus arrived, and as soon as Mary got up to go meet him, “the Jews who had been with Mary in the house comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn.”
Yes, she needed comfort and support to ease her grief. That’s what we all need when we are grieving.
Jesus was not exempted in sharing in their pain. “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Jesus wept.” And the people said, “See how much he loved him!”
Yes, Jesus loves us so much. He shares in our pain, sorrow and grief! He weeps with us when we weep. He is human and knows the deep pains of humanity.
Jesus expects us to be that comfort to those who are hurting. The Christian community must be a community where pain and joy are spread so that it doesn’t become a burden again to a few.
We are going to be that unique one family when as a congregation we show concern for those who are hurting, those who are in pain, those who are mourning without any clsss distinction or special considerations.
It is heavenly to be there by those who need comfort. A kind word, timely spoken is enough to heal a wounded or broken heart. A physical presence is enough to pull somebody out of mouring depression. Just try to be the comfort that somebody needs now. There is somebody nearby living in trauma and needs you as a pillar to lean on!
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ thank you for your love and comfort. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Babila Fochang.