1759) I knew someone once who experienced a life-altering trauma. I remember watching her and seeing others take a wide berth around her. The interesting thing was, I don’t think people did this because they disliked this person; I think it’s because the pain radiated from her so strongly, others couldn’t bear to connect with it.

When someone you know is experiencing such trauma, we can give that person an expensive gift.  2 Timothy 2:3 tells us to share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. What does this mean and why is it expensive?

To share in another’s suffering, we must walk beside them, carrying the burden of pain with them. The only way to do this effectively is to allow their suffering to enter your life too; feeling, thinking about, and experiencing their pain.

Why is this effective? Because the one in pain knows they are not alone in their suffering. They experience the blessing of someone else caring so much; they feel right along with you.

Why is this expensive? Because to share in the suffering of others means you cannot be passive. You must get inside the skin of this person and actively share the burden.

Choosing to share in the suffering of others is expensive, but what a valuable gift it is for others