We’ve all heard or perhaps even said things like, “At least I’m not dealing with that,” or “I should be grateful for what I have” as a way to dismiss our pain. While gratitude is a vital part of the Christian life (1 Thessalonians 5:18), it’s important to remember that God’s compassion is not reserved only for the worst of circumstances. The Bible affirms that it is okay to bring our struggles, no matter their size, to God and to others.

The psalms are a powerful reminder that God invites us to bring all our emotions before Him. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Notice it doesn’t say, “The Lord is close only to those who have it worse than everyone else.” Your pain matters to God, no matter how it compares to someone else’s. Jesus Himself demonstrated this truth during His ministry. In John 11, Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus even though He knew He would raise him from the dead. His grief wasn’t diminished by the knowledge of the miracle to come. Instead, He entered into the sorrow of the moment, showing that acknowledging pain is not a lack of faith but a reflection of love and empathy.

Comparing our situation to others can lead to a distorted perspective on both our own pain and God’s care. The apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 6:4-5, “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” This passage highlights the importance of focusing on our own journey with God rather than measuring it against someone else’s.

When we minimize our struggles because they don’t seem as severe as another person’s, we risk burying emotions that need to be processed and shared. Bottling up our feelings can lead to bitterness, anxiety, or depression—issues that can affect our spiritual, emotional, and physical health. James 5:16 encourages us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Sharing our struggles with trusted believers is part of God’s design for healing and community. One of the greatest gifts of Christian fellowship is the opportunity to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). When we are honest about our struggles, we give others the chance to fulfill this command. Pretending everything is fine when it’s not robs the body of Christ of the opportunity to function as it should.

Moreover, being vulnerable about our challenges can encourage others to open up about theirs, creating an environment of mutual support and grace. Acknowledging our struggles does not mean we are ungrateful for our blessings. The Bible shows us how to hold both gratitude and grief in tension. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul writes about his “thorn in the flesh,” a struggle that persisted despite his prayers for relief. Rather than dismissing his pain, Paul acknowledged it while also trusting in God’s grace, saying, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” His example reminds us that we can be honest about our hardships while still finding strength in God’s provision.

Ultimately, Jesus invites us to come to Him with our burdens, big or small. In Matthew 11:28-30, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This invitation is open to everyone, regardless of how their struggles compare to others.

If you’ve been dismissing your struggles because they don’t seem significant enough, let today be the day you change that narrative. Bring your pain to God in prayer, share it with someone you trust, and allow yourself to experience the compassion of Christ and His body, the Church. Your struggles are valid, and you don’t have to carry them alone. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for all of us—not just for those in the deepest valleys, but also for those navigating the hills and ridges of life’s everyday challenges.