We don't know what that's like

Even if it seems that we've experienced victories or sorrows that others have, we don't know how that feels FOR THEM.

Sometimes spiritual people try to comfort those who grieve.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

At other times, we rejoice with those who have won at something.

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15

In both situations, spiritual maturity and wisdom can tell us to be careful.

We don't want to diminish someone's triumph by referring to one of our own.

Neither do we want to say to another living through a tragedy,

"I know how you feel. I had this happen to me."

First, how someone else feels isn't something we can know.

We are not them.

We know how WE felt when that category of thing hit us. But we can't know another's emotional and mental response completely.

So, why would we want to say that we do?

Second, a success or a failure that we've had may seem similar to another's and we may want to express our understanding of their glory or heartache.

However, theirs is unique just as ours was.

Similarity doesn't mean exactness.

So, let's be sensitive and wise.

Authentic love can be shown in words of anguish, tears, and then silence as we see another's hurt. Job 2:11-12

And if they tell us what they achieved, Acts 15:12 a genuine smile with quick words of praise might be best.

When appropriate, someone may also benefit from this --

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest Who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Your thoughts?

R. Jason