Comforting Others

​Upon graduating from seminary, my dear Grandmother Eplin sent me an incredibly special gift. She and her women’s Bible study group lovingly and painstakingly quilted me a comforter that became my all-time favorite adult blankie. When we lived in Michigan where the winters are long and bone-chilling cold, my down-filled comforter was one of my best friends!
 
I cannot count the times when my wife Jo Ann lovingly tucked the comforter around my body when it was cold or I was not feeling well. When covered by the comforter, I was toasty warm and did not have a care in the world. Often I nodded off to sleep because I felt so comfortable, warm and secure.
 

• The comforter brought comfort when I was uncomfortable. Where is that blanket anyway?

 
Many people today need comfort. Life has beaten them up, scared them or left them feeling vulnerable and insecure. In the New Testament, the Greek root of the word comfort means “to come alongside, beside for the purpose of rendering aid or help.”
           

• During difficult and discomforting times, you and I needed someone to come alongside and help us in life. There are precious people all around us who need a comforter in their lives too.  

           
“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.’ II Corinthians 1:3-4
 
The Apostle Paul, who had experienced comfort from God and His people, wrote about three important truths regarding comfort and comforting others. 
 
1. GOD IS THE SOURCE OF COMFORT. Straight up the Word tells us that our God is a merciful Father and “God of all comfort.”  Comfort flows from mercy. Comfort is about being compassionate and caring. Almighty God is a comforting God.
 
Our comfort comes from the Lord.
 
 Real comfort, help that really helps, comes from a merciful God. This spiritually cold, emotionally impersonal, self-centered world knows little or nothing of comfort and comforting. God does. He is the God of all comfort. He knows how to tuck hurting people in with His love and comfort.
 
 
2. GOD COMFORTS THE UNCOMFORTABLE. Note God comforts us “in all our affliction.” Affliction (trouble, injury, distress or anguish) is no fun! Everyone who has been afflicted said AMEN! God knows affliction makes us uncomfortable. He comes alongside to comfort and render the aid we need.
 
II Corinthians 7:6 states “But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” In a downtime, God comforted Paul by His presence and by the presence of Titus.
 
God spread a blanket of love and comfort over Paul.
 
Foundational to our faith and vital to victory in times of affliction is to remember that the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter in John 14:16-26 and John 16:7-15. While Jesus was here on earth, He comforted the disciples. When He left, the Father sent another Comforter (Helper) (John 14:16) to comfort them.
 
The Holy Spirit is our Comforter today. What a wonderful gift the Holy Spirit is from our Father in heaven!
 
When we need comfort, we need to call upon the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who is our Helper. He knows where to place the specific spiritual/emotional blanket we need in time of trouble or discomfort.
 
3. GOD COMFORTS US SO WE CAN COMFORT OTHERS.  The God of all comfort comforts us “so that” we can comfort others. The purpose of His comfort in our lives is twofold. * To comfort us. * And to comfort others through us. Note Titus was part of the comforting process in Paul’s life.
 
My comfy blanket is not just for me. I am to share my comforter with those in discomfort. Titus could comfort Paul and others experiencing a tough time because God had comforted Titus.  
 

• Christians are called to share their blankets of God’s comfort. God comforts us so we can comfort others.

 
We are conduits or channels of His comfort. We should be running around in Jesus’ name wrapping warm blankets of God’ s love and His comforting Word around hurting brothers and sisters in Christ and lost souls.
 
There would be a lot less discomfort and more comfort in this heart-broken, weary world if Christians would comfort others with the comfort which they have received from the Lord Jesus Christ.   
 
How do we start this comforting business?
 
·      Ask God how to comfort others. Seek His wisdom in reaching out to hurting people. Receive the Holy Spirit’s comfort so you can comfort others. Minister with the Helper’s help!
 
·      Love hurting people. Hug them up if they are huggers! Be sensitive to their needs. Listen to them. Take time to care.
 
·      Pray for hurting people. Share a scripture of encouragement with them. Serve them in ways that will show that you and God love them.
 
Personal note: I am very thankful for Christians who at various times in my life comforted me when I needed comforted. They may have no idea how much the comfort they gave me in Christ’s name met the need of the hour. 
 
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS HURTING, UNCOMFORTABLE IN LIFE? SOMEOME GOD CAN SEND YOU TO COMFORT THEIR HEARTS IN THE NAME OF JESUS?
 

• Comfort hurting people with the comfort you have received from the Lord.

 
A Word For Your Week: Christians are comforters sent by the Comforter to comfort uncomfortable people.