God sometimes lets us go through certain situations because He wants to use us to help others. The challenges we encounter can make us more effective in supporting others; they can also improve our skills in managing relationships.

You may never understand why certain people behave the way they do until you have been in their shoes. In recent times, I have been in a space that has brought me valuable insights into why people take certain decisions. I may not validate all those decisions, but I can connect better with them from an informed position.

You may never understand what it means to work in a toxic environment until you find yourself in one. You may never know what rejection feels like and the mix of emotions that come with it until you have walked that path. You may not know what a heartbreak feels like until you yourself have seen the one you deeply love walk away from you. You may not understand what it feels like to have a label you did not bargain for, placed on your forehead until you are wrongly judged over an issue.

Some tirades come from a place of pain, fear or rejection. Some outbursts are triggered by abuse in a toxic relationship. You would need to understand this and be patient with people.

As God enables you, be a source of strength and comfort to people around you. When you have received comfort, be willing to share that comfort with others too. If you have walked that path before and someone around you is struggling, be a guide.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Our faithful High Priest was tempted in every way and is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25). We have a Saviour who knows our pains and who has graced us to thrive and to help others too. Through that experience of yours, God has great plans. So, whether you need to help someone or you need help yourself, the Spirit of Jesus is there with you as your helper.