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Comforting Others with God’s Comfort – Viral Believer
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Comforting Others with God’s Comfort

There are many people in this world going through difficult times and in need of comfort. As Christians, God calls us to comfort others just as He has comforted us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). In doing so, we point them to the God of all comfort, who can meet their every need.

Key Takeaways:

  • God is the source of true comfort
  • We are called to comfort others as God has comforted us
  • Comforting others requires empathy, compassion and attentive listening
  • Speak God’s Word and promises to those who are hurting
  • Pray with and for those going through difficulties
  • Sometimes just being present is the greatest comfort
  • Allow others to grieve and process their emotions
  • Comfort leads to encouragement and strength to keep going

God is the Source of All Comfort

In this world full of pain and suffering, people need comfort. But where can true, lasting comfort be found? According to Scripture, God is the source of all comfort.

“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 receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

God is described as the “Father of compassion” and the “God of all comfort.” He comforts us in all our troubles. The comfort and compassion that believers have to give comes directly from God Himself.

The word “comfort” comes from two Latin words meaning “with strength.” When God comforts us, He gives us strength to endure and keep going. He doesn’t just sympathize with us, He empowers us. God’s comfort brings hope, help, strength and encouragement.

Throughout Scripture, God promises to be near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He promises to be a refuge, strength and ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). The Holy Spirit is called alongside to help us in our weakness and intercede for us with groans too deep for words (Romans 8:26).

Jesus said that those who mourn are blessed and will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). He invites all who are weary and burdened to come find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28). If we abide in Christ, He promises to provide comfort, peace and joy regardless of circumstances (John 15-16).

When believers go through suffering, God draws near and comforts them (2 Corinthians 7:6). This was true for Joseph when he was sold into slavery and imprisoned, for Ruth when she lost her husband, for Hannah when she was barren, and for David when he faced fierce enemies.

No matter what kind of suffering or grief people face in this life – death of a loved one, chronic illness, persecution, loneliness, unemployment, family strife – God can provide comfort and strength to endure. He sometimes allows hard times so that people may experience His comfort in a fresh way and be able to comfort others.

We Are Called to Comfort Others

Not only does God promise to comfort His children, but He calls us to pass that comfort on to others in need. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 makes this crystal clear:

“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 receive from God.”

As recipients of God’s comfort, we have the privilege and responsibility to comfort others. The Greek word for “comfort” has the idea of coming alongside someone to encourage or relieve them. God doesn’t comfort us so we can hoard it for ourselves. He wants us to be His hands and voice speaking words of compassion, strength and hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…” Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to consider how we may spur one another on. Romans 12:15 instructs us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Galatians 6:2 says to carry each other’s burdens.

Clearly, Scripture calls believers to walk alongside those who are hurting and point them to the God of all comfort. We may not have all the answers, but we can still provide a listening ear, sympathetic heart, prayers and God’s promises. Our care and concern can uplift their soul when life seems darkest.

Providing True Comfort to Others

Simply telling someone “I’m sorry” or “I’m praying for you” is good, but not enough. True comfort requires our personal investment. Here are some ways we can actively comfort others:

Empathize and Listen Attentively

Allow them to share their heart without interruption. Nod, make eye contact and express sincere empathy. Say things like “I’m so sorry” or “This must be so hard.” Be fully present in the moment, not thinking ahead to what you’ll say next.

Ask Questions

Ask how they are feeling and what you can do to help. Follow up later and check how they’re holding up. Offer specific ways you can assist or be there for them.

Speak Encouraging Truth

Share applicable Bible verses and stories that helped you during hard times. Remind them of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. “This is not the end. God will carry you through this.”

Pray Together

Ask how you can pray for them. Pray out loud, claiming God’s promises and comfort over their circumstances. This can have a deeply therapeutic effect. Follow up to let them know you’re continuing to pray.

Help Practically

Offer childcare, meals, cleaning or lawn service to ease burdens. Give hugs, cards, flowers or small gifts to uplift their spirits. Continue checking in and serving as needed. Try taking their mind off things by doing a fun activity together.

Give Space and Time

Don’t try to rush them through grief. Be patient if they get angry and ask questions. Acknowledge their emotions: “It’s okay to feel sad, scared, distressed.” Refrain from giving pat answers or preaching at them. Help point their eyes to Jesus, the Man of Sorrows familiar with grief (Isaiah 53:3). Trust the Holy Spirit to comfort and counsel them in His timing.

We comfort best when we give our time and focused attention, not just well-meaning words. As King Solomon wrote, “To everything there is a season.” Be sensitive to the season your friend is in. Offer companionship through the valley of shadows, and your comfort will be a channel of God’s love.

Speaking Words of Comfort

Here are some simple but powerful phrases to comfort those who are hurting:

  • “God is with you in this storm.”
  • “This too shall pass. Better days are ahead.”
  • “I’m praying for you today, friend.”
  • “This pain is temporary. God’s comfort is eternal.”
  • “God will never leave you or forsake you.”
  • “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”
  • “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
  • “The God of all comfort will console you.”
  • “Don’t give up. With God’s help, you’ll make it through this.”
  • “I’m always here if you need to talk or cry.”
  • “God knows your sorrow. He collects all your tears.”
  • “God promises strength and rest when you’re weary.”
  • “You’re not alone – we’re standing with you in prayer.”

Speaking words of life and Scripture over someone facing heartache can encourage and uplift them. God’s Word will not return void but accomplish His purposes (Isaiah 55:11). Even if someone isn’t yet a believer, God’s powerful promises penetrate hearts in ways we cannot. As 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NKJV) says, “Comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”

The Ministry of Presence

Sometimes the greatest comfort we can offer is just being present with someone during their grief. Jesus called his disciples to abide with him, and abiding is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

Pastor Max Lucado writes, “We serve people best when we bear their burdens with them. We don’t really help people by taking away their burdens. The Good Samaritan didn’t. Jesus didn’t either. He bore His cross to Calvary, but he didn’t take away the crosses of those around him.”

We may feel helpless to take away someone’s pain or circumstances, but we can walk with them through it. Your physical presence, even without any profound words, can be a powerful ministry of comfort. Just spending time with someone and accepting wherever they are emotionally without trying to “fix it” can be a deep comfort.

Practically, this may look like:

  • Sitting by their hospital bed without chatting
  • Going with them to a loved one’s funeral
  • Flying out for an extended visit during a hard time
  • Taking care of chores/errands to lift some practical burdens
  • Accompanying them to a medical appointment or legal proceeding

The Lord did not abandon us in our darkest valley, but promises “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). We can follow Jesus’ example by bearing our brothers’ and sisters’ burdens simply through our presence, undistracted attention and compassion.

Allowing space for grief

Grief takes time and comes in unpredictable waves. After a devastating loss, supporters may expect the bereaved to “get over it” after a socially acceptable time period. But grief cannot be rushed.

If you’ve suffered a great loss, know that however long it takes you to grieve and process emotions is okay. There is no “right” timeline. Don’t let others pressure or guilt you about not moving on. You may feel like a burden to friends as time goes on, but true friends will understand. God knows your unique needs and will stay by your side through the rollercoaster.

For those supporting the bereaved, avoid saying things like:

  • “It’s time to move on now.”
  • “They’re in a better place.”
  • “God just needed another angel.”
  • “There must be a reason God took them.”
  • “They wouldn’t want you to be sad.”

Instead, affirm that however long and deep they need to grieve is perfectly acceptable. Say things like:

  • “There’s no right or wrong way to feel right now. It’s okay to not be okay.”
  • “I can’t imagine what this loss feels like, but I’m here for you.”
  • “I’ll stick by you through the good days and bad days. However long it takes.”
  • “It’s okay to express your emotions. I’ll just listen.”

The Lord is known as a “Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He fully understands our suffering and invites us to cast all our cares on Him, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). May we faithfully comfort others by allowing them unrushed space to grieve and feel what they feel as long as needed.

Comfort Leads to Strength

Why does God comfort us in hard times? Not just so we’ll feel better, but to encourage and strengthen us to keep walking forward in faith. Similarly, our comfort should lead others to renewed strength and hope in Christ.

The Apostle Paul went through intense persecution, beatings, imprisonments and danger everywhere he went (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). What kept him going? He testified that God comforts the downcast and enables perseverance:

“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 receive from Godso that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Because God first strengthened Paul’s heart in affliction, he was able to comfort others also facing troubles. Our comfort enables endurance. The Apostle John echoes this:

“I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of God’s word and the testimony about Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard a loud voice behind me like a trumpet… saying, ‘Do not be afraid.’” (Revelation 1:9-10 NKJV)

Even in exile, John took comfort in hearing Jesus’ voice, “Do not be afraid.” This empowered him to persevere in writing Revelation and shepherding the early Church despite persecution.

When we receive comfort from God and others, it lifts our countenance, renews strength and gives us the will to fight another day. This is the power of comfort – it leads to perseverance by reminding us we’re not alone. Jesus promised:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

No matter the trouble, we can take heart knowing Christ has overcome. May we dispense the comfort of Christ to others, that they too may find power to overcome.

Still Your Refuge

I’ll end with the timely lyrics of a song by Stephen Curtis Chapman that have brought me much comfort in times of grief. May it minister to you as well, dear reader.

“Yes, the journey’s been hard and it’s not over yet
There are times you feel all alone
But listen for My voice when the waters rise
I will draw near and be your home

When you wander through the desert in the dark
Search the horizon for the light
Lift your eyes to the heavens your redemption draws nigh
Still I am your refuge, still I am your home

Do not despair when the heat of trials come
I am your shade I will keep you cool
Take heart My child for I will never leave you
Still I am your refuge, still I am your home”

What beautiful imagery and reminders of God’s comfort for our souls. He remains our faithful stronghold and shelter through every storm. When we pass these truths on to others, we become a conduit of the sweet comfort found only in Christ. Just as God continues comforting us, may we never stop comforting others until the day we behold the face of Jesus.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.