Blessed be the God … who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may … comfort those who are in any affliction.

2 Corinthians 1:3a-4a

By the time most of us have reached 70 years of age, we have experienced occurrences of grief and sorrow. It may be the death of a loved one, the loss of material things, or on-going health issues. Because we often desire kind and thoughtful words from another, we are disheartened when we don’t receive them. We begin to question why we must go through these events and wonder how God will use them.

The answer rests in relying on the presence and power of Christ. After receiving His comfort and strength, we are to then offer comfort and strength to others going through similar circumstances. A powerful service we can offer is the kindness of a listening ear or the gentle touch of understanding. These simple gestures may offer greater comfort than many words.

Jan Brunette
Holts Summit, MO

Dear Jesus, prepare my heart to offer a listening ear and a kind touch to someone in need today. Amen.

Reflect: Respond to someone who could use the comfort of the Savior’s love through you today.

Read: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 and Philippians 2:1-4