Yellow: Direct Response
Light Yellow: Additional Response
Celeste: Additional Points
“He comforts us [...] so that we may be able to comfort with the comfort we receive from God” (2 COR. 1:4).
1. Why should we comfort others?
We all need comfort because we live “distressed by various trials” (1 Ped. 1:6). We greatly appreciate being encouraged when we are suffering, so it's 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.” He thus sets an example for us to comfort one another. (2 Cor. 1:3, 4; 1 Thess. 4:18). We do it willingly because we love our brothers and sisters, not out of obligation. 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 need comfort.
THE MEANING OF “COMFORT” IN THE BIBLE
2. In the Bible, what meanings can the Greek word translated “comfort” have?
2 In the Bible, the Greek word that has been translated “comfort” has several meanings depending on the context. It can convey the idea of “encouraging,” “exhorting,” and “counseling” (Rom. 12:8; see study note “the one who encourages”). It literally means “to call to one’s side.” We can imagine someone rushing to the aid of a friend in distress and offering all the support they need. Whatever they do for them, the result is always the same: their friend ends up cheered up and strengthened.
3. What good example did Barnabas set for us? (See also the image).
3 The Bible speaks of a Christian who stood out for his extraordinary ability to comfort others. His name was Joseph, but the apostles nicknamed him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). This nickname described him so well that the Bible never refers to him as Joseph again. On numerous occasions, he lived up to his name by coming to the aid of his brothers. For example, shortly after Saul became a Christian, he went to Jerusalem to meet with the disciples. However, they were afraid of him because of his reputation as a fierce persecutor. So what did Barnabas do? He trusted Saul and introduced him to the apostles. (Neh. 9:26-28).
ILLUSTRATION
Barnabas looked at Saul with a smile and took him to the house of one of the apostles to introduce him. The two apostles who were there looked at Saul with suspicion as he approached them.
Barnabas lived up to his name. (See paragraph 3).
HOW TO COMFORT OTHERS
4. What is one of the best ways to comfort others? (Romans 1:11, 12).
4 Visiting them if possible. Jehovah uses his servants to comfort others. For example, on one occasion when the prophet Elijah was deeply saddened, Jehovah sent an angel to encourage him. (1 Kings 19:4-7). The apostle Paul also recognized the powerful effect of going to encourage the brothers in person (read Romans 1:11, 12). A visit to comfort someone is not simply saying "Hello and goodbye"; it requires spending some time with them. (1 Cor. 16:7). What if circumstances don't allow us to go in person? Let's remember that a message, a call, a card, or a letter can also be very empowering. So will you let Jehovah use you to comfort others?
5. What can we expect from this system?
5 Life in this system is getting harder and harder, so we can expect that going to comfort our brothers in person will also be difficult. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, a Christian from Ephesus named Onesiphorus risked imprisonment and even death to find him. (2 Tim. 1:16-18). The brothers in Russia follow their good example. When a Witness is being tried for his faith, many brothers are present in the courtroom to support him even though they know they are risking their freedom. Are you prepared to demonstrate that same courage? Why not study examples of God's servants, past and present, who have comforted one another and remained happy despite persecution?
6. How can we imitate Jehovah by comforting others? (See also the picture.)
6 Listening to them. When the prophet Elijah felt that his life was in danger, he opened his heart to Jehovah, and Jehovah listened to him attentively and lovingly even though he was already aware of the whole situation. Even though the prophet repeated himself over and over again, Jehovah did not tire of listening to him (1 Kings 19:9, 10, 14). On the other hand, consider the prophet Habakkuk. On one occasion, he told Jehovah about his worries in a way that might have seemed disrespectful. But God did not get angry. (Hab. 1:2, 3). And today Jehovah also listens to us carefully even though he already knows what we need. How can we imitate him? Listening attentively and respectfully to our brothers and sisters. When they are telling us something, let us be “quick to listen” (James 1:19). Let us not interrupt them or take offense even if they say something inappropriate or repeat themselves. (Ecl. 7:9).
ILLUSTRATION
One sister patiently listens to another sister vent her feelings. The hours pass and it gets late.
Let us imitate Jehovah and listen carefully to our brothers. (See paragraph 6.)
7. How can we find out what someone who is suffering needs?
7 Trying to find out what they really need. Jehovah can read hearts, but we can't. So the only way to know what comfort someone needs is by listening to them very carefully. We might think about what we would need if we were in their situation and assume that's what they need. But let's remember that every person is different; let's not take anything for granted. The best thing to do is to take our time to listen carefully and ask tactful questions that allow us to find out what they feel and need. (Prov. 20:5).
8. How did Jesus comfort Martha and Mary, and what do we learn? (See also the pictures.)
8 Let us think about how Jesus comforted Martha and Mary when their brother Lazarus died. Although both suffered the same loss, he helped each of them in a different way. After Martha spoke with him, Jesus shared some ideas about the resurrection that strengthened her faith in that wonderful gift. However, when Mary went to meet him weeping, Jesus apparently said nothing to her about the resurrection. He wept with her and asked where they had laid Lazarus. (Juan 11:20-35). What do we learn? There is no universal formula for giving comfort; instead, we have to find out what each person needs.
ILLUSTRATION
Images of an elderly man visiting two widowers: 1. The elderly man places his hand on the shoulder of one brother as he weeps. 2. The elderly man shows a Bible verse to an older brother, and they look at photos in an album together.
When comforting others, let us try to find out what they really need. (See paragraph 8.)
9. How does the Bible help us to comfort others? (Romans 15:4, 5).
9 Using the Bible. When we read a Bible text to someone, we give them “the comfort of the Scriptures” and strengthen their hope (read Romans 15:4, 5). And that hope, in turn, encourages and comforts them. (Isaiah 40:31). What can we do to know which verses to show? Some brothers have found it helpful to keep a list of encouraging texts on hand, such as those in the entry “Comfort” in the publication Bible Texts for Christian Living. Furthermore, it is good to ask Jehovah to help us use his Word in the best way possible. His spirit can help us recall practical passages. (Juan 14:26).
10. Why is it so important to speak kindly when comforting?
10 Speaking with kindness. As we saw, the Greek word for “consolate” can also be translated as “exhort” and “advise.” And sometimes we may need to do just that when consoling someone to help them change their way of thinking. In those cases, we must think carefully before speaking, so as to heal and not wound. (Prov. 12:18). Jehovah set an example for us by speaking with Elijah. Elijah thought he had failed as a prophet and that he was the only one in all of Israel still serving God. Lovingly, Jehovah corrected his thinking without directly telling him he was wrong. (1 Rey. 19:15-18). We too will help our brothers and sisters if we speak kindly and choose our words carefully. Let us always be kind and positive when giving talks or making comments at meetings. In this way, we will encourage and strengthen our brothers and sisters.
11. What do those who are suffering often need? (1 John 3:18).
11 Helping in practical ways. Often those who are suffering need more than just words of comfort. (it’s 1 John 3:18). Barnabas set an excellent example for us. He sold some land he owned and gave the money to the apostles to help some brothers who had recently been baptized and were poor (Acts 4:36, 37). Today, many Christians show their love in similar ways. A sister in Poland named Gabriela was very sad when a flood caused serious damage to her home. She relates: “I was living with my parents, and we were all very worried and scared. I wondered what we were going to do to fix the house. Several brothers from nearby congregations came, and in just one day they made a lot of repairs. That experience strengthened my faith that Jehovah directs his people to comfort those who are suffering.”
12. How do we help our brothers and sisters when we are going through difficulties?
12 Enduring difficulties. Paul told the Christians in Thessalonica that their example of endurance and faithfulness had comforted and revived him. He saw that what he had done 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—if he remained faithful to Jehovah despite difficulties (Col. 2:1, 2). Similarly, our brothers are greatly encouraged to see that Jehovah is helping us to endure our problems.
13. What quality do we need, and why?
13 Being patient. Our efforts to comfort a brother may not yield immediate results. But the Bible gives us this counsel: “Keep encouraging one another.” That expression conveys ongoing action. (1 Thess. 5:11). So we have to be patient and not give up. (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Now, what if we are the ones who need comfort? What can we do?
WHAT TO DO WHEN WE NEED COMFORT
14, 15. What should we do if we feel overwhelmed or distressed?
14 Pray to Jehovah. If we feel overwhelmed or distressed, let us ask Jehovah to comfort us (Psalm 94:19). Let us be specific and tell him everything we feel. (Psalm 62:8). Of course, he already knows what we need before we ask him. But by opening our hearts to him, we show him that we have faith in him. And Jehovah always answers as he sees fit those who pray to him in faith (Mark 11:24). Philippians 4:6, 7 reminds us: “Make your requests known to God, and the peace of God, which is beyond what any human being can understand, will guard your hearts and your minds.”
15 Ask for help. Let's tell a mature friend or a trusted elder how we are feeling. Brothers and sisters can offer much comfort, but they won't know what we feel or need unless we tell them (Prov. 14:10). So let's ask them to listen to us or to show us a Bible verse or article that has comforted them.
16. What might happen when others try to encourage us, but what should we remember?
16 Be patient and forgive. Siblings may make mistakes when trying to cheer us up. For example, they might say or do something that, instead of making us feel better, makes us feel worse. If that happens, let's be patient with them. (1 Cor. 13:4, 7). Let us remember what James 3:2 says: “Anyone who is never at fault in their words is perfect.” So let us focus on the good intentions of our brothers and sisters. Let us not forget that “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41).
17. What goal should we set for ourselves?
17 We all need comfort and encouragement, and that need will grow ever greater as the last days become more critical and God's enemies oppose us with greater fury. Therefore, let us make it our goal to comfort one another as much as we can.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What is the meaning of “comfort” in the Bible?
In the Bible, the Greek word translated as “comfort” has several meanings depending on the context. It can convey the idea of “encouraging,” “exhorting,” and “advising.” Literally, it means “to call someone to one’s side.”
How can we comfort others?
We can comfort others by visiting them, if possible, listening to them, and trying to find out what they really need. We can also use the Bible, speak kindly, offer practical help, and endure our own difficulties. When others see how Jehovah helps us to bear our problems, they feel encouraged and comforted.
What can we do when we need comfort?
When we need comfort, we can pray to Jehovah and ask him to help and comfort us. We can also ask for help from a mature friend or a trusted elder, expressing how we feel. In addition, we should be patient and willing to forgive, remembering that brothers and sisters may make mistakes when trying to encourage us, even if they do so with good intentions.
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