Comfort: Caringly responding to a hurting person through words, actions, emotional responses, and physical touch; hurting with and for others in the midst of their grief or pain. (Romans 12: 15 NASB; Matthew 5:4: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
“I don’t want to “adult” today. Could I just get a break from some of the responsibilities that accompany my season of life…just for a little while?” Have you had days like that? Have you had seasons like that!? What would have given you comfort when you felt like that? Really think about that for a few minutes.
I know we still have important things to do and roles we must play even when we don’t feel like it. I am not advocating taking harmfully long sabbaticals from doing the mature, responsible things we lovingly or sometimes reluctantly do. But having someone notice and attempt to give us compassionate friendship, a helping hand, or a listening ear could go a long way toward helping us through those times.
People, as you and I do at times, feel alone under the weight of being an adult with adult responsibilities. I think it would bless them and the heart of Jesus if we at least attempt to bring them some comfort with our presence and care.
What do you say? Willing to consider it?
THREE SOURCES OF LIGHT – Help Us Experience Comfort
Light Source #1: Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Walking in the Light: Having a fresh encounter with Jesus.
We can learn a lot about comforting others from the way The Lord gives us comfort.
Our relationship with God should be a friendship, allowing The Lord into our lives in times of joy and times of sorrow. We should be so familiar with The Savior that it is normal to not only celebrate the joyful times with Him but to feel so at peace in His presence that we seek His comfort in times of sorrow. Do you have this kind of friendship with Him? I know God truly desires a close relationship with us.
In John chapter 11 we read the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from death, but the part I don’t want you to miss is how Jesus comforted Martha and Mary! Jesus not only came to be with them in their time of sorrow, but He was moved to tears by their sorrow and hurt with them. There were other mourners around but Jesus took the time to care.
This same Jesus hurts when you hurt. He feels your pain and desires to not only give you comfort but TO BE your Comforter. (Psalm 23)
Light Source #2: God’s Word is a lamp and a light, so walk in the light of frequent experiences of doing His Word. Psalm 119: 105
Let’s do: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Everyone has a story. Everyone. Some bright and colorful, some dark and grey, but at some point in each life we will need comfort.
You may know some people needing comfort, but you may not know how they need it. A hug, a text or call, an encouraging word, a tender touch, holding their hand, do errands or chores for them so they don’t have to…each situation will be different. You can meet this need by empathizing, tapping into your own experiences, appropriately sharing part of your story, listening well to their stories, and adjusting your care to meet the need. Holy Spirit Who is the Comforter lives inside each believer. He will guide you to give comfort and care appropriately and effectively. Ask Him. Listen. Be ready. Just do it!
This doesn’t mean to start sharing your war story, but you can tap into how the need was met for you or use the fact that care never came to you as motivation to not let that happen to your friend. God may have used someone to comfort you in your time of need. God may have given you comfort through scripture as well. Use your experiences to grieve with someone, to carry a burden, to lend a hand, to speak an encouraging word possibly to sit and just share their emotion with them or just hang out. Will you be God’s loving hands and feet?
Light Source #3: God’s people are sources of light so walk in real fellowship with Believers and Others: “the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14
Do you have family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, church family that you know of right now that can use a little comfort? Will you make a point to spend some time with them this week? If that is not a possibility, you can send them a card or text or give them a call. Remember how others comforted you and brighten their day by letting them know you care.
My neighbor next door to me, recently lost her husband. Sadly this is her second time being a widow. Yesterday I noticed that my other neighbor, Rhonda, also a widow for many years now, came on her riding lawn mower and mowed the lawn for our sweet neighbor. Rhonda has done this before when my neighbor and her husband would travel. I think Rhonda mowed the lawn just because she wanted to comfort her in that way. She also knows the sorrow of losing a husband, and it was a practical way for her to show she cared.
There are many ways to mourn with someone – many ways to give comfort. Sometimes you sit and cry with them and other times you get on your mower and mow their lawn so they don’t have to think about doing that. Giving relief from adult duties at times is just what a neighbor, friend or co-worker needs so they can take a deep breath, rest a while, and know you care.
Answer two quick questions:
- Who in your circle of influence needs care?
- How is God leading you to bring comfort and care in an effective, appropriate way?