COMFORT THE SORROWFUL.

People experience sadness and frustration at the loss of a loved one, or a broken relationship or betrayal by friends or a loss of position or at being cut off from a community; at such times people need comfort. The comforting presence of someone makes them feel they are not alone and they will be able to overcome these trials; it can make them experience God's love and care. This priceless compassionate touch is like a rainbow in their cloudy sky.

The origin of comforting the afflicted is found in the life of Jesus. Jesus himself experienced the need for comfort at the Garden of Gethsemane when he was emotionally distressed. He said to his disciples: "My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Remain here and keep watch."

To comfort the sorrowful does not removing sorrow, much less restoring what was lost. Rather it means to be present with the suffering persons and feeling with them the storm of loss, grief, and pain. This presence may not change the circumstances but it will certainly communicate God's love and compassion. It gives assurance that we are not alone, that God is with us and knows our suffering.

There is no dearth of opportunity to comfort the sorrowful and afflicted. All over the world there are people grieving over the loss of a dear one, parents who have lost their children through illness, accidents, and tragic deaths who pine for consolations, victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, couples struggling with their relationships, people who are sorrowful because of their past sins and futures worries, and so many others. there is a tremendous scope for Christians to practice this work of mercy.

Comforting the sorrowful requires the greatest patience, sensitivity, and also the ability to maintain silence. This is because sorrow or grief often has a life and logic of its own; it must be allowed to run its course. Sometimes there is nothing a person can say or do when grief is present. Grief is something we can rarely get around; we must simply get through it.

Sorrows and suffering are tough and often they seem almost interminable and overwhelming when we have to face them alone. Having someone there to bear the load can be a blessing. Space and time are also essential for healing.
Prayer is most important in the process of comforting the sorrowful.
COMFORT THE SORROWFUL. People experience sadness and frustration at the loss of a loved one, or a broken relationship or betrayal by friends or a loss of position or at being cut off from a community; at such times people need comfort. The comforting presence of someone makes them feel they are not alone and they will be able to overcome these trials; it can make them experience God's love and care. This priceless compassionate touch is like a rainbow in their cloudy sky. The origin of comforting the afflicted is found in the life of Jesus. Jesus himself experienced the need for comfort at the Garden of Gethsemane when he was emotionally distressed. He said to his disciples: "My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Remain here and keep watch." To comfort the sorrowful does not removing sorrow, much less restoring what was lost. Rather it means to be present with the suffering persons and feeling with them the storm of loss, grief, and pain. This presence may not change the circumstances but it will certainly communicate God's love and compassion. It gives assurance that we are not alone, that God is with us and knows our suffering. There is no dearth of opportunity to comfort the sorrowful and afflicted. All over the world there are people grieving over the loss of a dear one, parents who have lost their children through illness, accidents, and tragic deaths who pine for consolations, victims of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, couples struggling with their relationships, people who are sorrowful because of their past sins and futures worries, and so many others. there is a tremendous scope for Christians to practice this work of mercy. Comforting the sorrowful requires the greatest patience, sensitivity, and also the ability to maintain silence. This is because sorrow or grief often has a life and logic of its own; it must be allowed to run its course. Sometimes there is nothing a person can say or do when grief is present. Grief is something we can rarely get around; we must simply get through it. Sorrows and suffering are tough and often they seem almost interminable and overwhelming when we have to face them alone. Having someone there to bear the load can be a blessing. Space and time are also essential for healing. Prayer is most important in the process of comforting the sorrowful.
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