By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
The meaning of comfort intrigues me, especially with the stress so many people face each day. There’s no point in listing all the stressors bombarding us, or this post would be 6,000 words long!
If you’re like me, you want to help others in ways that are healthy and beneficial to them. Other times, we long to be comforted when life tosses us a curveball.
Comfort means freedom from physical, mental, or spiritual pain. It soothes the weary, ushers in rest, and seems to lift the burdens from our hearts and shoulders. Offering love and encouragement to someone who needs support blesses both the recipient and the giver. Small things. Large things. Every act of comfort can be a worthy gift.
What does comfort mean to you?
Here are twenty thoughts:
- Comfort food
- A comfort zone
- A comforting hand
- A comforting embrace
- Comforting music
- A comforting story
- Comforting words
- A comfortable bed
- A comfortable car
- A comfortable chair
- A relaxing evening
- A cozy fire
- A trusted friend
- A welcoming home
- A comfortable hotel
- Comfortable jeans
- Comfortable pajamas
- A peaceful ride in the country
- Comfortable slippers
- A refreshing walk in the park
Here’s my challenge: How can we offer comfort to someone else?
Perhaps we can listen without trying to fix every problem. We can offer an encouraging word, prepare a meal, send a thoughtful note, or simply sit beside someone who feels alone. Sometimes, the most meaningful comfort comes from being present when another person needs us.
We may not be able to remove someone’s pain or change their circumstances, but we can remind them they don’t have to face their struggles alone.
2 Corinthians 1:3–4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all 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.
Who in your life could use the gift of comfort today?
