The Story

When we see someone who is suffering, we may respond with judgment rather than comfort. We may look at their weakness and quickly assess what they did wrong, or why they ended up in that condition. This is a result of the self-righteousness that still remains in our hearts. Sometimes God leads us into difficult situations that reveal our weakness and foolishness. He does not do this to destroy us, but to humble us and to give us compassionate hearts towards others who are suffering. God is the God of all comfort. He comforts us in our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. Our affliction is not just for our growth, but also to make us a means of God's comfort to others. The comfort we receive in Christ is not given to us alone. The Father, who sees not, causes His comfort to be revealed through our words, our listening, and our service. Our Father, the God of comfort, I praise you because you have comforted me in my affliction and called me to share that comfort with others. Forgive me when I judge those who are hurting more than I love and encourage them. Thank you, Jesus Christ, who is merciful and comforting to me. May the Holy Spirit make my heart tender, so that today I may pass on the mercy and comfort of Him to those who pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.