3-Day Bible Reading Plan: Misery Loves Company Before Comfort And Correction

“Big Idea: Misery loves company before comfort and correction. The order of these words is important. We need to comfort those in pain and gently correct the harmful thoughts and behaviors that are hurting them. The Bible encourages us to do these things. It also instructs us to be wise in how and when we do these things. We will see from Jesus’ own example that “company” should come before words of comfort or correction. When we are in pain, we want companionship before encouragement. We want someone to listen before they teach us a lesson.” - Pastor Paul Crandell, 2/25/24

Day 1:

1. Featured Passage: Matthew 26:36-46 - “Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.””

Cross References:

• Hebrews 5:7-10 (Jesus' prayer and obedience)

• Matthew 6:9-15 (The Lord's Prayer)

• Romans 12:15 (Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep)

Reflection Questions:

1. How does Jesus' desire for companionship during his suffering make you feel?

2. Have you ever felt alone in your own suffering? How did you cope?

3. How can you better offer companionship to others who are suffering?

Day 2:

1. Featured Passage: Hebrews 5:7-10 - “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.”

Cross References:

• Matthew 26:36-46 (Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane)

• Philippians 2:5-11 (Having the same mind as Christ)

• James 1:2-4 (The testing of faith)

Reflection Questions:

1. What can we learn from Jesus' example of prayer and obedience?

2. How does this passage give you hope in your own prayers and obedience to God's will?

3. How can you practice "learning obedience" in your daily life?

Day 3:

• Featured Passage: Romans 12:15 - “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

• Cross References:

• Matthew 25:35-40 (Caring for the least of these)

• Proverbs 17:17 (A friend loves at all times)

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (Two are better than one)

• Reflection Questions:

1. Think of a time when you received or offered support during suffering. What made the experience meaningful?

2. How can you be more intentional about offering empathy and support to others who are hurting?

3. Who in your life might need your companionship right now?

Grow Deeper

1. Head: Read Hebrews 5:7-10.What prayer of Jesus do you believe the writer of Hebrews is referring to? How does Jesus’ “learning obedience” relate to his praying for the Father’s will to be done? What were the results of Jesus’ submission or obedience to the Father’s plan? How does this give you hope in thinking of God’s response to your obedience?

2. Heart: Read Matthew 6:9-15. Why do you think God’s will is mentioned before the requests for our needs to be met are offered? How do Jesus’ prayers in Matthew 26:36- 46 reflect the model he taught his disciples in Matthew 6:9-15? If we always add “your (God’s) will be done” to our prayers, then are our prayers always answered?

3. Hands: Read Romans 12:15. Describe a moment in your life when you felt that someone helped you mourn and grieve well. Describe a time when you helped someone else through suffering.

4. Habits: Who around you do you believe may feel unseen or alone in their pain? How can you ask questions to help them see that you want to be with them in their pain? Is there anyone around you that you feel you need to invite into your pain? How can you invite them?