Comforting others

How do you bring comfort to someone who is suffering?

It is not about providing glib answers, it is about walking with them, loving them, caring for them, crying with them, laughing with them. But it is also about reminding them to fix their eyes on Christ, not by challenging their every word, sometimes in bitterness and sorrow we say things that need to be allowed to let go. We do not throw back at them what they say, we do not challenge everything. Often in tragedy the biggest danger is losing hope. In such situations we, the church, their brothers and sisters are to be their hope. We hold their hands, we listen to their fears, we give of ourselves, and we do not lose hope, we anchor ourselves in the truths and comfort that scripture gives.

Our hope is ultimately Christ. It is in the forgiveness he gives us that we do not earn or merit or have to top up but which is full and free. It is in the hope of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:54-58), that our future is secure and kept in heaven for us, that we have a future nothing can take from us. It is in the truth that to be in God's presence for all eternity will make up for any loss suffered now.

Comfort others but ensure that you strengthen yourself as you do so, otherwsie you will not bring real comfort.