“The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

It’s likely that we all know someone who thinks they are an expert in a subject just because because they did a quick internet search. The truth is, unless we have experienced something ourselves, we can’t really know about it. We can’t say I know how you feel without personally experiencing it ourselves. When a new widow hurts from loneliness and deep grief, it is really only another widow who understands because they have been there.

This is why the verse says that the very troubles and heartaches that we have been through is the very thing we can most effectively help others work through, when they have the same experience. When you’re hurting, it’s the encouragement from one who has been there that is more valuable than the one with only an internet knowledge.

This means that no one should have to wonder long who they can help in life. If you’re a survivor of cancer, find ways to encourage those dealing with cancer. If you got out of an abusive relationship, speak hope to those who are still stuck in one. Whatever you’ve overcome may just be the very mission you’re called to in order to help others.