"sorrowful, yet always rejoicing"

At this time in Christian history it seems like there are as many taboos as there are clichés. One example of something that has become both of those is the use of Romans 8:28 when trying to comfort someone during hard times. In many cases I agree that it is wrong to jump quickly to verse quoting without first showing empathy for the person.

The Bible gives us many examples of how to deal with the difficulties of comforting a person in the midst of suffering as well as being that person going through hard times. Paul tells us to let "love be genuine" (Rom. 12:9) and that is partially worked out when we "weep with those who weep" (12:15).

But we should not overlook theology as a comfort. Yes, God wants us to be real with people by giving them a shoulder to cry on and, if need be, a listening ear. But at some point there are questions that need answering and no matter how much a verse is used it can still have great impact.

What comforts a person in the midst of all kinds of suffering? Knowing that the sovereign God of the universe loves them and knows what they are going through. To know that God planned the events that are so painful at this moment and that He is going to use it for our good and His glory. That is the message of Romans 8:28, a verse that should stir us to be "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor. 6:10).

Here is an example of someone who understands what I'm talking about even more than I do.


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