How long has it been since you comforted someone? Did it feel awkward? When you allow the God of all comfort to be your comforter in the time of trouble, you will have what you need to comfort others. The reason is simple. Comfort means to relieve pain through encouragement. God does this for us by drawing us unto Himself. His presence is the greatest comfort of all. Then Christ Jesus has the ability to give comfort through us as others have need.
My prayer for you is that you will so live in His presence that when you show up, God shows up. May the Spirit give you wisdom in what to say, when to say it, and when to be silent when someone around you is suffering.
May we be faithful to pray for those who suffer, both in the body of Christ and in our communities. May our faith be strengthened and our intercession be ignited as the Lord anoints us, “to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.” [Isaiah 61:3]