Learn From “the God of All Comfort”

1 ALL of us need comfort because we live “grieved by various trials” (1 Pet. 1:6). We deeply appreciate it when someone strengthens us while we are suffering, so it is good to do the same for others (Matt. 7:12). Jehovah is “the God of all comfort,” and he comforts us in “every sort of trial.” In that way he sets the pattern for us so that we may comfort one another (2 Cor. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 4:18). We gladly do it because we love our brothers and sisters, not because we feel forced to. In this article we will see 1) what the Bible means when it speaks of comfort, 2) how to comfort others, and 3) what to do when we ourselves need comfort.

We should comfort others because Jehovah has set the perfect example. He is the God of all comfort, and since he keeps strengthening us, we want to reflect that same loving care in the congregation.

Everyone faces trials in this system, and we value it when someone takes time to encourage us. So we follow the Golden Rule and comfort others gladly, out of brotherly love.

2 In the Bible, the Greek word translated “comfort” can carry several meanings depending on the context. It can convey the idea of “encouraging,” “exhorting,” and “advising” (Rom. 12:8). Literally it means “to call to one’s side.” We can picture someone who quickly comes to the aid of a friend who is suffering and gives him all the support he needs. Whatever he does for him, the result is the same: his friend ends up encouraged and strengthened.

Depending on the context, it can mean encouraging, exhorting, or advising. Its literal sense, “to call to one’s side,” beautifully suggests drawing close to someone who is suffering in order to support him.

This shows that comfort is not passive. It is not enough to feel sorry for someone from a distance; we need to come alongside him so that he truly feels strengthened.

3 The Bible tells us about a Christian who stood out for his unusual ability to comfort others. His name was Joseph, but the apostles gave him the surname Barnabas, which means “son of comfort” (Acts 4:36). That name fit him so well that the Bible never calls him Joseph again. Time after time he lived up to his name by coming to the aid of his brothers. For example, soon after Saul became a Christian, he went to Jerusalem to meet the disciples. However, they were afraid of him because of his reputation as a fierce persecutor. What did Barnabas do? He trusted Saul and introduced him to the apostles (Acts 9:26-28).

Barnabas was a true comforter. When others were afraid of Saul because of his violent past, Barnabas stood by him, trusted the change he had made, and introduced him to the apostles.

His example teaches us to be inclusive and willing to give others a chance. In the congregation we can imitate him by drawing close to those who need someone to believe in them.

4 Visit them if possible. Jehovah uses his servants to comfort others. For example, when the prophet Elijah was crushed by sadness, Jehovah sent an angel to encourage him (1 Ki. 19:4-7). The apostle Paul also recognized the powerful effect of personally going to strengthen fellow believers (read Romans 1:11, 12). A visit to comfort someone is not just saying, “Hello and goodbye”; it requires spending some time with him (1 Cor. 16:7). What if circumstances do not allow us to go in person? We should remember that a message, a phone call, a card, or a letter can also be very strengthening. So will you let Jehovah use you to comfort others?

One of the best ways to comfort others is to visit them and spend time with them. Personal encouragement often has a very powerful effect because it shows genuine interest.

If an in-person visit is not possible, we can still comfort someone through a call, a message, or a thoughtful note. What matters is that the person does not feel left alone.

5 Life in this system is getting harder and harder, so we can expect that going to comfort our brothers in person may also become harder. When Paul was in prison in Rome, a Christian from Ephesus named Onesiphorus risked imprisonment and even his life in order to find him (2 Tim. 1:16-18). Our brothers in Russia follow his example. When a Witness is on trial for his faith, many brothers are present in the courtroom to support him even though they know they are putting their own freedom at risk. Are you ready to show that same courage? Why not study examples of God’s servants, both past and present, who comforted one another and remained happy despite persecution?

We can expect that comforting others may require more courage and sacrifice as life in this system becomes harder and opposition increases.

Onesiphorus and many faithful brothers today show that it is worth risking comfort and even freedom in order to support a fellow servant of Jehovah who is suffering.

6 By listening to them. When the prophet Elijah felt that his life was in danger, he poured out his heart to Jehovah, and Jehovah listened attentively and kindly even though he already knew the whole situation. Even though Elijah repeated himself again and again, Jehovah did not get tired of listening (1 Ki. 19:9, 10, 14). Think too of the prophet Habakkuk. On one occasion he told Jehovah what was troubling him in a way that might even seem a little disrespectful. But God did not become angry (Hab. 1:2, 3). Jehovah still listens to us carefully today even though he already knows what we need. How can we imitate him? By listening carefully and respectfully to our brothers. When they are telling us something, let us be “quick to listen” (Jas. 1:19). We should not interrupt them or become offended even if they say something inappropriate or repeat themselves (Eccl. 7:9).

We imitate Jehovah by being good listeners. We need to listen with patience and respect, without interrupting or taking offense if the person expresses his pain imperfectly.

Often the best comfort is not an immediate answer but a listening ear. When someone feels heard, that alone can bring great relief.

7 We should try to find out what they truly need. Jehovah can read hearts, but we cannot. So the only way to know what comfort someone needs is to listen very carefully. We may assume that what would help us in the same situation is what he needs. But each person is different; we should not take anything for granted. It is best to take our time, listen carefully, and ask tactful questions that help us discover what he is feeling and what he needs (Prov. 20:5).

Since we cannot read hearts, the only way to know what someone needs is to listen carefully and ask tactful questions. We should never assume too much.

Each person experiences pain differently. Careful listening helps us discern whether the person needs companionship, practical help, a scripture, or simply someone who understands.

8 Think of how Jesus comforted Martha and Mary when their brother Lazarus died. Even though both women suffered the same loss, he helped each one in a different way. After Martha spoke with him, Jesus shared thoughts about the resurrection that strengthened her faith. But when Mary came to him weeping, Jesus apparently did not say anything about the resurrection. He wept with her and asked where Lazarus had been laid (John 11:20-35). What do we learn? There is no one universal formula for giving comfort. We need to find out what each person needs.

Jesus comforted Martha and Mary in different ways because he understood what each one needed. That teaches us that there is no single formula for comforting others.

Some people are helped most by reasoning on Bible promises; others need someone to share their grief with them. Good comfort is personal, not mechanical.

9 By using the Bible. When we read a Bible text to a person, we can give him “the comfort from the Scriptures” and strengthen his hope (read Romans 15:4, 5). And that hope in turn encourages and comforts him (Isa. 40:31). What can we do to know which verses to use? Some brothers have found it useful to keep a list of encouraging texts close at hand. It is also good to ask Jehovah to help us use his Word in the best possible way. His spirit can help us remember practical passages (John 14:26).

The Bible helps us comfort others because it provides the comfort of the Scriptures and strengthens hope. No human words are as powerful as God’s own Word.

It is very useful to keep encouraging texts in mind and ask Jehovah to help us remember the right passage for the right moment.

10 By speaking kindly. As we saw, the Greek word for “comfort” can also be translated “to exhort” and “to advise.” At times we may have to do exactly that in order to help someone adjust his thinking. In such cases, we need to think carefully before speaking so that our words heal instead of hurt (Prov. 12:18). Jehovah set the example in the way he spoke to Elijah. Elijah felt that he had failed as a prophet and that he was the only person in Israel still serving God. With great tenderness, Jehovah corrected his thinking without directly telling him that he was wrong (1 Ki. 19:15-18). We too will help our brothers if we speak kindly and choose our words well. Let us always be kind and positive when giving talks or comments at the meetings. In that way we will encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters.

Speaking kindly matters because sometimes comfort involves helping someone correct a wrong line of thinking. If we are not careful, our words may wound instead of heal.

Jehovah corrected Elijah with great tenderness. We should do the same, using a kind and positive tone both in private conversations and in our meeting comments.

11 By helping in practical ways. Many who are suffering need more than words of comfort (read 1 John 3:18). Barnabas set an excellent example. He sold a field he owned and gave the money to the apostles so that they could help some newly baptized brothers who were poor (Acts 4:36, 37). Many Christians today show love in similar ways. One sister from Poland named Gabriela became very distressed when a flood caused serious damage to her home. She says: “I lived with my parents, and all of us were very worried and frightened. I wondered what we were going to do to repair the house. Several brothers from nearby congregations came, and in just one day they made many repairs. That experience strengthened my faith that Jehovah directs his people in comforting those who are suffering.”

People who are suffering often need practical help, not just kind words. Real Christian love becomes visible when we take concrete action.

Sometimes comforting means cleaning a home, fixing something, bringing a meal, or helping with an urgent need. Such acts make Jehovah’s love very real.

12 Paul told the Thessalonian Christians that their example of endurance and faithfulness had comforted and refreshed him. He could see that his labor for them had not been in vain (1 Thess. 3:5-8). And he knew that he too could encourage his brothers—even those who did not know him personally—if he remained faithful to Jehovah despite difficulties (Col. 2:1, 2). In a similar way, our brothers are greatly encouraged when they see that Jehovah is helping us endure our problems.

We help our brothers by our own example of endurance. Seeing another servant of Jehovah remain faithful in a trial can strengthen the whole congregation.

Our endurance proves that Jehovah really supports his servants. Even without saying much, steady faithfulness can become a source of comfort for many others.

13 By being patient. Our efforts to comfort a brother may not bring immediate results. But the Bible gives this counsel: “Keep encouraging one another.” That wording points to continuous action (1 Thess. 5:11). So we need to be patient and not give up (1 Thess. 5:14). But what if we ourselves need comfort? What can we do?

We need patience because comfort does not always produce immediate results. A wounded heart may take time to heal, so we should not become discouraged or give up.

Encouraging others is an ongoing work. That is why we need to keep helping with tenderness even when progress seems slow.

14 Pray to Jehovah. If we feel overwhelmed or distressed, let us ask Jehovah to comfort us (Ps. 94:19). Let us be specific and tell him everything we feel (Ps. 62:8). Of course, he already knows what we need before we ask. But by opening our heart to him, we show our faith in him. And Jehovah always responds in the way he sees best to those who pray in faith (Mark 11:24). Philippians 4:6, 7 reminds us: “Let your petitions be made known to God, and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers.” 15 Ask for help. Tell a mature friend or a trusted elder how you are feeling. Our brothers can give us a lot of comfort, but they will not know what we feel or need if we do not tell them (Prov. 14:10). So ask them to listen or to show you a Bible text or an article that has comforted them.

If we feel overwhelmed, we should pray to Jehovah very specifically and ask mature friends or trusted elders for help. We do not have to carry everything alone.

Opening our heart to Jehovah brings peace, and opening it to the congregation allows others to support us in practical ways. Loving brothers can help, but they need to know what we are facing.

16 Be patient and forgiving. Brothers may make mistakes when trying to encourage us. For example, they may say or do something that, instead of making us feel better, makes us feel worse. If that happens, let us be patient with them (1 Cor. 13:4, 7). Let us remember what James 3:2 says: “If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man.” So let us focus on the good intentions our brothers have. Let us not forget that “the spirit is eager, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41).

Someone who wants to help us may say something awkward. If that happens, we should remember that his intentions were good and that no one is perfect in speech.

Christian love moves us to overlook human imperfection. If we focus on the love behind the attempt to help, it will be easier to keep our peace and still benefit from the encouragement.

17 All of us need comfort and encouragement, and that need will grow as the last days become more critical and God’s enemies oppose us more fiercely. Therefore, let us set the goal of comforting one another as much as we can.

We should set the clear goal of comforting one another as much as possible. As times become harder, being a source of encouragement in the congregation will matter even more.

The more intense the trials become, the more important it will be for each one of us to help keep the congregation a place of relief, peace, and strength.