How do we comfort others?

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT)

Isn't it a joy to be able to comfort someone else in their time of discomfort? When we needed it most, God was right there to comfort us. Now, in turn, it is our time to comfort others with the same measure God has given to us. Troubles souls need to find comfort and what better way to share Jesus than to bring them the comfort he provides?

Comfort comes in many forms. Some of us need a warm hug or an arm around the shoulder. Others need a listening ear and a praying heart. Whatever 'form' comfort comes in, the one who needs it so desperately will be grateful for the sensitivity of your heart to be there for them in their time of 'need'. 

We should never underestimate the comfort of forgiveness. There will be ample times to share the same level of forgiveness extended to you by God's grace with others who also need a little grace in their lives. Forgiveness isn't deserved but it is always needed if relationships are to remain strong and able to endure the challenges life presents!

God is our source. When we don't know what to say or do, we need only look to his example. We can pray for wisdom, and he will deliver on those prayers. We can do what we know to do, and he will back up those actions with his 'added grace'. We just need to remain sensitive to his Spirit's leading and then act.

Confusion is often present when someone is enduring something they never expected. We don't have to be the 'all-knowing' person in their lives. We just need to be present, be a listening ear, and a strong arm for them to lean upon. When confusion is present, we can hear it in their words, but we can also see it in their actions. Perhaps we help with their actions, so we help them sort out their confusion. We don't need to 'take over' as much as we just need to come alongside.

When we need him most, Jesus is there. When THEY need him most, he will be there. Be the channel by which Jesus is brought into the lives of those who need to find comfort and grace to go on. You won't always have the answers, but you can always be a friend. Just sayin!