How do I comfort a loved one who is suffering?

The pain that comes with mental or physical affliction can bring frustration and confusion not only to a person who is sick, but also to those who pray and suffer along side them. The bible teaches us that we will be able to overcome the sufferings of this life by God's grace. Paul gives us insight into this grace when he cried out to God on several occasions to relieve him from something that was causing him great distress. And through this crying out and communication with God, Paul found grace that was sufficient to overshadow the "why's" that often accompany unexpected hurts, whether they be of the body or the soul. Consider these principals the next time you or someone you love finds themselves in the midst of suffering:

• God is still in control. Many times when we encounter suffering we can quickly feel that God has abandoned us, or that somehow the devil has gained an upper hand over our lives. However, scripture clearly teaches that (Rom 8:38, 39)  "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
• There is a ministry of love attached to their suffering. At face value this sounds like a ridiculous statement. But in light of the truth of the Word we find that everything that seeks to destroy us God turns around for good. (Gen 50:20)  "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." In every instance in the bible, God has proven Himself to be 100% faithfully committed to the eternal good of His people. This has become the motto of our fellowship at Word of God Church. More often than not, in order to bring about this eternal good in you and in others He allows His children to be joined with His Son in the ministry of suffering to bring about His desired outcome. If our perfect heavenly Savior experienced suffering, we too should willingly embrace it knowing that He is accomplishing something for our good in the end.
• Suffer along with your loved one as together you lean on the promises of God. Even Jesus, our King and example, desired to rather suffer in the midst of His friends than alone, how much more could a suffering loved one benefit from the compassionate and empathetic companion make the bitter gall a little more palatable. (Mat 26:38)  Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." Covenant to pray with them, sing with them, sit quietly with them, listen to God with them...ultimately worship with them.
• Don't let this suffering go to waste.  You may find in retrospect that this time can be a meaningful season of authentic Christian growth if you use it to draw closer to God and pursue His will for your life. Trusting in Him and His plans can bring much joy even through the most painful tears. (Rom 5:4-6) "and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."

​Article by Desi Najera, Jr.

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