I don't know about you, but I sometimes find it difficult to find the right words to

comfort or advise a friend, or a loved one. The Bible tells us that as Christians,

we should be there for each other. When I have the time to pray before speaking

with someone, it isn't as hard, but when it hits me on the spur of the moment, I

often feel a bit like I'm floundering, wondering if I'm really helping their situation

or not.

I've been searching through my Bible and have found some scriptures that if we

apply them properly, should take any anxiety out of comforting others. The

wisdom of our Heavenly Father will guide us, if we follow the examples He set

down before us in the Bible.

Our suffering helps us to be able to comfort others who are also suffering.

2 Corinthians 1:1-3, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus

the hospital and work with patients that were in great need. I received a phone

call late on night that a young woman had tried to kill herself. They asked me to

go and talk with her. I didn't know anything about attempted suicide. I prayed

all the way to the hospital, not knowing what I was going to say to her. As I

entered her room, she lay pale and helpless in her bed. It didn't take long for me

to realize that she was hurting, not so much physically, but emotionally. I have

lived with a lot of pain, most of my adult life and I recognized that same pain.

Although my pain was different, it was still pain, and she needed comfort and

I knew where that comfort could be found.

I talked with her long into the night. She had recently been saved, but her drug

problem was still there and she just didn't know how to handle it. I spoke from

my heart and tried to share with her the love and comfort that God so freely

gives through Jesus Christ His Son. She was at church the next Sunday and

many Sundays after that. She later moved away. I hoped and prayed that the

hours we spent together showed her that God is our strength and our comfort.

When talking to a friend or loved one in need, be a good listener. They have

so much to say and we can often find out what they are needing, if we really

listen to their words. Learn to listen with your heart. God is our best example

of a patient listener. He is there waiting to hear everything that is on our

hearts. He is loving, caring and supportive. That should be our goal when we

are counseling our friends and family.

not be moved. God is our rock and our strength; mercy flows from His throne.

Have confidence that God will supply us with the words and kindness needed,

when He places others in our paths. We minister to others through His mercy.

Copyright 2006 Joyce Balentine