Other People Might Need the Same Things You Need

It’s worth considering that those around us who are hurting might need the same kinds of things that we need when we’re hurting.

Now, on the one hand, we’re all different. No two people have the same needs. But, at the same time, it helps to reflect on what we need when we’re hurting because it can help guide us towards a helpful response to the people who we know who are hurting.

A couple of days ago I reminded us that people who are hurting are difficult to affirm even though they might be the ones who need it the most. It’s likely that receiving affirmation has really helped some of you in the past. And, it’s likely that affirmation will help your hurting loved ones.

Why do I bring this up?

Because we tend to be a bit backwards when it comes to hurting people. We don’t often treat them the way we would want to be treated (yes, The Golden Rule). We instead give advice, or tell them that things will be better soon, or tell them why the problem happened in the first place, etc.

Rarely do we affirm and simply sit with the other person’s struggles. This is a very real spiritual discipline.

Therefore, you should treat people in the same way that you want people to treat you…

Matthew 7:12a

Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.

Ephesians 4:29