Comforting Others

By: Bob Beck

Thursday, April 17, 2025

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)

These verses introduce an amazing truth: our trials and troubles have a higher purpose! God will use them to teach us how to comfort others. God works in (and on) our hearts to give us a heart of compassion for others when they go through trials. The comfort God prompts us to provide may be as simple as putting our arm around a believer and praying for them. The next time you are going through a trial, try to see it as a future ministry opportunity. For example, the death of a loved one brings grief, but the Holy Spirit can use that experience to help someone process their own grief. Patiently enduring life's trials equips us to share the comfort God gave us and lessons He taught us with others.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you. John 14:26 (NASB)

Some Bible versions translate the word “helper” as “comforter.” Both are roles the Holy Spirit has in a Christ followers life. Discouraging things happen to all of us, even on a normal day. When they do, we can react emotionally and become sad, upset, and angry, or we can allow the Holy Spirit to encourage us, help us, and comfort us. Don't let your emotions control you, ask the Holy Spirit to help you!

"...do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” Luke 12:11-12

Have you ever stumbled over your words as you witnessed to someone? Another way the Holy Spirit helps us is by giving us boldness to share the gospel. If you're nervous, or don't know what to say, ask the Holy Spirit for help! Learn to depend on Him to give you the right words in every situation.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalms 32:8

When you comfort and counsel others, be sure to do it with a loving, nonjudgmental approach. God counsels and corrects us in love... let's use the same approach when we speak to others.