In times of pain and personal suffering, the natural man in each of us questions if Jesus truly cares about our individual struggles. We may wonder whether our challenges and sorrows matter to Him amidst the vastness of His love and concern for the world. Though it may be hard to believe at times, it is important to try and embrace the profound truth that Jesus does indeed care deeply about each of us and our individual suffering.
His Atonement
The ultimate proof of Jesus’ care for our individual suffering lies in His Atonement. As we ponder the unimaginable agony He endured in Gethsemane and on the cross, we come to understand that He willingly bore not only our sins but also our pains, sorrows, and afflictions. His sacrifice was intensely personal, ensuring that no trial or tribulation would go unnoticed or unhealed by His infinite love.
The Good Shepherd
Jesus often referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep individually (John 10:14). Just as a shepherd cares for each of his sheep, Jesus cares for every aspect of our lives. He is intimately aware of our joys, struggles, fears, and pains. He knows the depths of our hearts, and His compassionate love extends to the tiniest details of our individual suffering.
Scriptural Promises
Throughout the scriptures, we find numerous promises that reinforce Jesus’ concern for our individual well-being. He invites us to cast our burdens upon Him (Matthew 11:28), promising to give us rest. He assures us that He is aware of our needs (Matthew 6:8) and promises comfort to those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). These assurances remind us that Jesus cares deeply for us on a personal level.
Personal Revelation
Through personal revelation, we can experience the tender mercy of Jesus’ love in our lives. As we humbly seek Him through prayer, scripture study, and quiet contemplation, we can receive personal guidance, comfort, and assurance that He is aware of our individual circumstances and suffering. He communicates with us through the gentle whisperings of the Holy Spirit, providing solace and direction unique to our needs.
Conclusion
In moments of despair, let us remember that Jesus does care about our individual suffering. In her book, “Lighten Up,” Chieko Okazaki, wrote: “We talk in great generalities about the sins of all humankind, about the suffering of the entire human family. But we don’t experience pain in generalities. We experience it individually. That means He knows what it felt like when your mother died of cancer- how it was for your mother, how it still is for you. He knows what it felt like to lose the student body election. He knows that moment when the brakes locked and the car started to skid. He experienced the slave ship sailing from Ghana toward Virginia. He experienced the gas chambers at Dachau. He experienced Napalm in Vietnam. He knows about drug addiction and alcoholism.”
This list includes the things you have personally experienced. The Atonement of Jesus Christ testifies to His boundless love for each of us. Through His role as the Good Shepherd, His promises in the scriptures, and personal revelation, we can find solace, comfort, and hope in knowing that our Savior is intimately involved in our lives. May we turn to Him with faith, knowing that He not only cares but also stands ready to heal, uplift, and carry us through our trials, however personal they may be.
