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)
Jesus Wept. We may not be able to understand all the reasons WHY Jesus wept in all circumstances in the Bible, but He – Jesus, The God of the universe in a human body – felt and feels human emotions…makes me love Jesus even more! How about you?
The story of the death of Lazarus in John 11 includes the shortest verse in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) When you read the full story( John 11:1-44), you may wonder “Why did Jesus weep if He knew He was going to raise Lazarus?” The answer is simple. We have a wonderful Savior who feels our pain so much that, even though Jesus knew Lazarus would be completely fine, He wept when He saw those He loved grieving. His heart hurts when ours does. Why? Let me ask you. Do you have a loved one? Does your heart hurt when your loved one experiences loss or rejection or pain? I would hope the answer is YES!
Comforting others in a time of their grief can feel so difficult. No words can make the pain better. Sometimes, comfort comes in our shared tears with our grieving loved one. Sitting beside them or embracing them and just allowing the loss to be shared through tears often is the best way to give comfort. Or if you are not the crying kind, perhaps your being there quietly present is all he/she really needs. Scripture does not say, but I can imagine Jesus hugging His friends. Jesus loved them and suffered their sorrow with them.
Do you need comfort today? Jesus wants to comfort you. He also has provided wonderful people in your life, who care deeply for you. If you can be brave, open up to these loved ones and share your needs. Wouldn’t you want him/her to do the same if the tables were turned? No one needs to suffer in silence or all alone. Even if you currently have no friend close enough to comfort you, I can tell you from experience and on the authority of God’s Word, we have a Comforter in God’s Holy Spirit and a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Turn to Him!
- Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) He comforted people when He lived on earth in the first century. He will comfort you. Be still and know that He is God and loves you so much He makes Himself available for you. (Psalm 46:10)
- Do God’s Word and walk in the light of His truth. Take time to DO Psalm 118:1-9
- Ask a question of a friend/family member: How has God helped you in times of sorrow or pain? Be ready to listen and just rejoice if they rejoice and mourn if they mourn.