"I feel you brother!" Really? How could you? Job 32-24

True empathy is a powerful tool when dealing with those in pain.  Perhaps the greatest problem we have when talking to or counseling those going through a major problem is that we don't understand their pain and suffering.  When a child is being violated by his/her parents, it is hard to associate with their fears when we have never had those fears.  When someone is facing life-threatening health issues we don't know what we don't know.   We can't put ourselves in their shoes.   Elihu wanted to console Job and confront him at the same time.   He hadn't sat for days with boils on his body.  He hadn't lost his children and all his possessions.  Yet, in 33:6 we see that he did find a way to relate to Job - he provided some empathy where he could.   He confesses they are both born of clay and that gives him some insight into Job's life.   On human terms empathy does open doors and does allow us to relate to others.  1 Corinthians 1 is a great example of the power of empathy.   Paul tells the church at Corinth that the same comfort they felt from God can be used to comfort others who are gong through the same, or similar, problems.  This is what makes Christianity so powerful as compared to other "faiths".   In Hebrews 10 we read that we have a High Priest who knows our infirmities.  We have a Savior who has experienced both our same temptation and has tasted more suffering, pain and rejection than any one person could.  So, when we come to Him for "counsel" or "wisdom" He knows us and truly feels our pain.  In our consoling of others we need not say "we know how you feel."   But, we should say, "We know someone who knows how you feel."  Christ is the ultimate empathizer.