Have you been comforted? Have you been consoled?
Job, in his suffering, tells his friends, "I have heard many such things; Miserable comforters are you all! I also could speak as you do, If your soul were in my soul's place. I could heap up words against you, And shake my head at you;" Job 16:2, 4
This reminds me how easy it is to misjudge a situation or be misguided in our thoughts toward others. Instead of offering comfort, we might offer criticism or unhelpful advice. Job, however, models a better way: "But I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief. Oh, that one might plead for a man with God, As a man pleads for his neighbor!" Job 16:5, 21
Let's commit to pleading for and encouraging those going through tough times, just as we would want to be supported. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 1, explaining that we receive God's comfort so we can share it with others.
Be the church today! Do you know someone who needs encouragement? Send them a text, make a call, or pray for them. Act in the mighty name of Jesus to offer comfort and encouragement to someone close to you.
To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.