BE A COMFORTER

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ -Matthew 25:34-40

You were created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Some of those good works are to be a comfort to others. God sends you out each day to be an encourager and comforter. He uses your arms to hold the hurting person and your smile to cheer their heart. You help Jesus by helping others. Your faith shows up in your actions, so act out. Bring God glory by the way you comfort and serve.

God works all things out for the good of those who believe in Him. When someone is hurting they may need to vent, to purge their raw feelings and thoughts out. Slapping them with bandages of Bible verses on their wounds is not always the most effective means to comfort. However, if there is a Scripture that has brought you comfort it may be useful for them as well, so share it. Offer to pray with the person right then and there. Don't simply say,"I'll pray for you" and then later forget to do it. Place a gentle hand on them and pray for them right then and there in their presence. Your prayer will have a much stronger impact to bring comfort. Too often you may think that prayer is the last thing we can do when it should be at the top of our list as a way to comfort.

People appreciate knowing they're being thought of. With all the technology and means of communication today there is no reason we can't stay connected with someone. So use the phone, email, text or social media to stay in touch as time passes.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so 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