COMFORT

 

Write From My Heart

September 8, 2021

COMFORT to help; aid; support

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

            Comfort is an interesting word. Yes, it may indicate a life of ease (e.g., comfortable surroundings), but today’s scripture text indicates the sense of giving help, aid, or support. That can be done in a wide variety of ways. You might be thinking of tangible methods such as donations of money, food, or clothing. That’s an excellent method of bringing comfort to those in need. My heart tells me that there is another way in which we bring comfort even to those with whom we are separated by miles. We may be unable to hold their hand, or even sit quietly by their side, but prayer and encouraging words are vital means of bringing comfort to others. Prayer on behalf of someone else can be offered no matter how many miles physically separate you. Today’s technology (e.g., phones, text, email, cards, letters, etc.) can provide layers of comfort to someone struggling with the weight of daily concerns. Make the most of opportunities to provide tangible comfort when you are able, but never neglect the smaller kindnesses of prayer and encouraging words. Our God is a loving and compassionate God who comforts us so that we, in turn, may comfort others.