Comforted and Comforting

Sympathy is being able to see that someone is in pain for some reason and be concerned about it.
Empathy is being able to know or feel the pain.

If we have experienced a pain and been healed of it by the Lord, we are able to bring some of that healing to others who are experiencing the same problem. As Paul wrote to the congregations in Corinth, we receive comfort so we can offer it to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-11).

Even in situations in which we need help from someone, or when we are negotiating at work or at home or in ministry, the better we frame our statements or requests in the other person’s language or circumstance or values system, the more likely it is that we will gain what we seek. I need to know what you want or need if I hope to trade with you, whether it is information or a sale or a trade or a change in practices I seek.

When you are dealing with a difficult person, ask the Spirit how to speak in that person’s emotional and financial and spiritual language. Every interaction with another human is likely to be a negotiation, even if the subject to be discussed is the trade. Starting your part of the conversation on the other person’s side of the table helps.