I have learned much from watching others bring the comfort of Christ to those who are in pain. As our family has endured a long season of suffering, I have been blessed to see the gospel lived out in very practical ways. Here are a few: Offer the gift of presence: One of the things … More Part 4: Suffering and a Cup of Cold Water

The moment I spoke I knew my words had not brought the comfort I had intended for they’d been spoken out of an attempt to cheer rather than out of wisdom discerned from the Holy Spirit. In the case of Job, his friends did two things right; they showed up and they said nothing for … More Part 3: Four Things that Might Make You a Miserable Comforter

In my own trials, I thank God for the comfort and prayers of believers who helped me persevere in my darkest days. When Job experienced calamity, his friends’ many words accusing him of weak faith and sin failed to bring the comfort Job longed for. I shudder to think how I have likely been a … More Part 2: Four Marks of a Godly Comforter

A young couple eagerly awaiting their first child returns home from the hospital with empty arms after delivering a stillborn. A wife and mother listens numbly as her husband confesses his love for another. A single woman struggles with loneliness. Ongoing unemployment forces a family to file bankruptcy and an unknown future. Life is hard. … More Part 1: Where Do You Go To Find Comfort?