Faith Filled Family Magazine November 2016 | Page 47

BY CATHERINE SPADA

O

ur faith is not based on
emotion, yet the fluidity of our emotions and
circumstances has an
effect on our faith life. In the ebb
and flow of our daily struggles we
are often challenged with great
desolation. Within our world we
are inevitably faced with ups and
downs. Tribulation can seem to
frustrate our relationship with
the Heavenly Father. Ministering
to a person in such a state is a
very sensitive matter. It is in this
experience that our friendships
in Christ can bring forth great life
and consolation, reflecting the
loving compassion of our Lord.
Brotherhood and sisterhood in
Christ is a powerful bond that
can help lighten our burdens and
can remind us of the love and
mercy spoken to us in the Gospel. When we are called to coun-

sel another in Christ, but suffering from despair, we must be
very sensitive to their state and
be sure to enter deeply in to personal prayer with our Lord prior
to taking action in order to avoid
speaking prematurely. It is wise
to spend some time meditating
upon the Word of God, and to reflect on the Gospel message to
gain greater perspective. Keeping some verses in mind and
even writing them down to be
shared is also good practice.

While it may be seemingly appropriate to focus on the Scriptural accounts of our Lord’s comforting promises to His faithful as
shared throughout the Gospel, it
is also helpful to site other places in Scripture where those in
moments of suffering, loss, and
despair reach out to the Lord,
and th us in their crying out find
they are provided for.
It can be very isolating to feel
alone in anguish or guilty for