When a young child falls and hurts itself, the first thing we do is give the child some good old loving, attention and care. In an effort to comfort the child, we may hug it, stroke its back, kiss it or say something like now, now or mommy and daddy love you. It may even be a good time to tell the child, “Yes Jesus loves you also!’ The intent is to bring some type of relief and remedy to the child’s physical pain but also emotional state. If the child is crying, the pain may continue to exist, but the mere fact that it is being embraced by a loved one just brings peace and comfort not only to the child but to the comforter or love one also. The child will love you forever because you provided exactly what was needed in a time of desperation and distress.  

It is a very rewarding experience to observe caretakers provide comfort to a patient or love one who cannot take care of themselves. The emphasis is about providing real, genuine loving care for someone. It takes long suffering, love, gentleness, kindness, physical strength and yes, sacrifice. There are people who I have observed who provide the best of care for a love one who is in need, even putting a pause on their personal lives. Now that is called sacrifice. It is edifying to observe and feel a sense of pride and commitment from the person providing a service they have not been trained to do, but in reality, the best care is providing comfort in a time of need and giving your best. It is so amazing when an outsider or observer can find great comfort and strength in knowing someone is receiving the best of care. Sometimes it is not easy, but we do what we have to do or rather we do what we are called to do.  

It takes resilience and fortitude for a spouse to devote time to another spouse or another love one when they know their love one’s time on earth is limited. The love one may be in hospice or palliative care and need special attention. However, one of the oversites is the fact that the caretaker needs comforting and attention also. It should not be forgotten that the one comforting need some loving and encouragement as well.       

On the flip side is the observance of someone who needs special attention and care, yet there is a sense of negligence and abuse. It is heartbreaking to know a person is suffering at the hands of another and there is nothing you can do. The person who lacks essential resources or support may be the result of a dysfunctional and disjointed family. Trust me, one of the most difficult things to do in cases such as this is to get outside attention and support from local and state agencies.  

Here is the good news from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of 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.” The apostle Paul understands that in the time of suffering and affliction, believers must remember that God has given us mercy. He is indeed the God of comfort. When we do not know where to turn for comfort when we need it the most, the answer is knowing that God is the source of our comfort.       

As true believers in Jesus Christ, it is our responsibility to provide comfort to others when necessary. Comfort can come in all shapes, forms and fashions. Basically, I am saying all of us are ministers and we should minister comfort to others when they are in need. The Church must never ignore or forget those who are suffering in some way, be it death or sickness of someone.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of comforting others and we must remember that God comforts us so we can in turn, comfort those in need, sharing the same comfort we have received from Him.

One of my greatest joys as a pastor is providing comfort in some small way to others when they are at a loss.  It may be in word or deed, but just know that God continuously keeps on blessing us when we can be a blessing to others 

Take time today and do something that will provide comfort and encouragement to another person who is hurting. Even though we are in a post pandemic, people are suffering and hurting for various reasons.

Just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor