Comfort in times of trouble

2 Corinthians 1:4-5 (New International Version) Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. A lot of times, we are quick to pass judgement or quick to react to people and situations based on our past experiences and hurts .... But are we really exercising the extended grace of God? Or are we so caught up in ourselves that we truly forget to BE what we are really supposed to be? Sometimes it's not about what you have been through, it's about what you can do for someone else. That's the good gospel, right? God is the God of all comfort and if we are truly striving to be like Him, then we MUST exercise this gift....w/ absolutely no excuses I am guilty of this too myself...so, you are not alone :) Although tough love is needed, we have to be careful that we do not become a barrier for someone else's growth. Empathy is not always about proving to the other person know that you and only you, have the remedy for their situation. It's ALWAYS about praying, and comforting, and seeing them come through and out of the mess they are currently in....and hopefully, with your prayers and counsel, they'll walk towards greatness and not catastrophe. Why? Because someday, you'll need the same favor :) SELAH