Sympathetic listener

I used to tell my brother that there was not enough sympathy in the world for him. He loved a good sympathetic listener and when he found one, he would keep them listening to all of his problems for as long as they were willing to listen. We all need sympathy from time to time, somehow it does us good to unload our troubles on a sympathetic listener from time to time.

The Bible tells us that Jesus is sympathetic to us and we should come to Him “boldly”. This seems rather odd, especially when we consider how powerful and awesome He really is. The creator and Master of all creation can sympathize with us individually on a one to one basis and can sympathize with our weaknesses. Further we are instructed to come to His throne of grace “boldly”, because He completely understands our situation.

Why? Because Jesus has been in our shoes. He was tempted and understands how… well… tempting, that it is down here. In my opinion, the very best sympathizer is one that has “been there and done that” themselves. A former smoker knows how hard it is to give up smoking to a much greater degree than someone who never smoked themselves. A former alcoholic knows first-hand how hard it is to give up the booze, versus someone who has not ever been addicted. Jesus lived earth as a human being and was tempted; however unlike every other human being that ever lived, He never committed even one sin. Not even once did he slip. He did however experience the “temptation” of satan and can fully sympathize with us.

The “bottom line” is that we should accept the grace of God boldly. We should ask for His help in times of need without hesitation. God knows what we are going through and He sympathizes with us. God is a good listener, so pour out your heart to Him. Also He can strengthen us and knows how to beat temptation, so we should seek His wisdom which is in the Bible.
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Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a High Priest
who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points
tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to
the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy and find grace to help in
time of need.