TEXT: Isaiah 61: 1-7

AIM:
That we may learn biblical ways of comforting others in their moments of grief and sorrow.

INTRODUCTION:
At one point or another in our lives, we all will be faced with a situation that brings grief. It may be the news of a terminal disease to a loved one, a great loss of material possession or even the death of someone dear to us. In situations like this, people, especially Christians, need the support and love of one another to sail through the stormy waters.

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What then should we do or not do to contribute to comforting those hurting from grief and pain?

SHARE IN THE REALITY (Romans 12:15)

• Acknowledge their sorrow, irrespective of your spiritual height or life experiences. The fact that you or some other people you know have had worse experiences does not make their situation less sorrowful. Let the hurting know that you feel their hurt too (Job 2:13).

• Share in their grief. Even Jesus our Lord wept at the grave of Lazarus his friend (John 11:35-36; Romans 12:15). Grieving is a natural part of living that should not be subdued. Therefore, it is neither realistic nor helpful to keep telling
  the bereaved not to grieve; but only that, as a Christian, he or she should grieve in hope (1Thessalonians 4:13).

• Be careful of giving reasons or explanations for what has happened. Know that there is no "one-size-fits-all" answer or reason for whatever people go through in life. Avoid
  overtly or covertly attributing their loss to sin or lack of faithfulness to God.

BE AVAILABLE FOR THE AFFLICTED OR BEREAVED

• In physical presence:
  Being around those who are mourning is Of immense benefit. It is good to send text messages or even make phone calls, but being physically present is a lot more comforting as it shows that we are willing to alter our own plans and programs just to see that they are comforted (Philippians 2:4).

• In Prayers:
  It is helpful to pray with and for those who are afflicted or bereaved. However, we must be careful in our choice of words when praying. We should not allow our emotions to have the best of us to the point that we say things that will bring guilt even more sorrow to the bereaved. After praying with them in their house, we must continue to pray for them during our personal prayer times.

• In Help:
  Tears; sorrow and grief weaken the body, Christian brothers and sister can offer a helping hand by assisting in daily chores or running errands during the period of grieving.

• In Presents:
  People who are grieving may not be able to think straight. Sometimes they may not even remember to eat As brothers and sisters in the Lord, it is a good time to give them gifts of food and other daily needs. Many times, they have spent a lot of money on hospital bills, so it is also in order to offer financial support to such people.

BE SENSITIVE
If there is any time that we need to be sensitive in our relationship with others, it is at very difficult times like their time of mourning or affliction. There are so many things going through such people's mind and we do not want to complicate matters for them. Avoid comparing their situation with your past experiences by saying that you have passed through more difficult times. It is advisable to listen more than talk to them at this time, especially if you are not sure of what to say. However, if there are ways that the Holy Spirit helped you through a difficult time in the past, you can tenderly encourage them with the same encouragement that you also got from God. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.

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Bless you