Comforting Others like God Comforts Us

Today we have a guest post from Grace.
She writes about how the Lord is our comforter in the midst of suffering. She also lists four ways He comforts us and how we can use them to comfort others.
This post was a great encouragement to me, and I hope it will be an encouragement to you as well! 
​

I’m realizing now more than ever how much heartache people endure. Lately, I’ve discovered that the people around me are constantly hurting. Everyone struggles to survive in this crazy life, and the only way they can thrive is if they lean on God’s strength.

The Lord needs to be our Comforter in the midst of suffering. But He also wants us to comfort others. We can do that by following His example.
Here are four ways He comforts us and how we can use them to comfort others:

          1.      His words
The Bible has incredibly uplifting passages and verses through which God speaks to us. We can share these Bible verses and passages with those who are hurting to encourage them and lift them up when they’re in need. There are so many ways we can do this! We can send them a text with an encouraging verse, mail them a card with a chapter of Psalms, or simply have a conversation with them that points to the gospel. God uses His Word to speak life to us, and we can use it to speak life to others.

          2.      His listening
When we’re stressed, worried, angry, frustrated, or lonely, we can call out to Jesus. He doesn’t ignore us when we pray to Him with genuine and pure hearts. When someone you know is experiencing heartache, he or she may need a listening ear. Maybe the person needs someone to talk to but isn’t sure who will listen. You can be that listening ear and that shoulder to cry on.

          3.      His provision
Even during the hardest trials, God still provides for us. In our worst moments, He still gives us good gifts—even simple things we take for granted, like a hot shower or a pink sunset. When we know people who are suffering, we can try to meet one of their needs. This could mean buying them a gift card to the grocery store, baking them a plate of homemade brownies, or saying a prayer for strength for them. Any gifts you can give them will lessen their load and remind them that you care.

          4.      His endurance
Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, the Lord is with us. He never leaves us. He always stays, and there’s nothing we can do to push Him away because He is constant. We need to be constant, too! Even when the people we love ignore us or try to push us away, we need to persist like God does. Though people do need time to be alone, they also may need a loyal friend to uplift them.

Obviously, we all suffer; and obviously, suffering hurts. But God comforts us in the pain, and we need to comfort others in their pain by sharing God’s Word with them, listening to them, providing for them, and enduring with them. Though we can’t be their ultimate comforter, we can point them to the
One who is.

​

Grace M. is a college student, a piano-player, and a writer. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing volleyball, and eating sour gummy worms. She blogs about following Christ in everyday life at TIZZIE'S TIDBITS.  

---

---

Included in Christ 

​"​Going through this study book has taught me many things. One thing is certain though, I have completely underestimated the book of Ephesians! I recommend this book to anyone looking to grow closer in their walk with the Lord. Holleman does a splendid job in laying out the basics like you've never seen before. She makes it SO easy to understand and grow. This is definitely a book to add to your collection. You won't be disappointed!!"
~Aleigha C. Israel  

---