Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:4
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT)

One of the most comforting things to hear from someone as we go through a troubled time in our lives is that they made it through the same challenges. We have all heard of programs like AA where people of varied backgrounds and one addictive challenge meet regularly. They are not meeting to share war stories; they meet to encourage each other. The ones that have made it to the other side are evidence of possibility to those that have not.

We may not have a specific addiction, but we do have challenges. Although it may seem our challenge is unique, others have come though similar difficulties and made it to the other side. When we get through it, our life story becomes encouragement to others as they face similar times in their lives.

It is important to share what we have come out of with others. If all they see is the great life we have now, how can they be encouraged through there difficult times? There is comfort in hearing the words "I know how you feel because I had it happen to me. I made it to the other side and so can you. This is what I did."

Comfort is not just feeling bad about someone's situation and holding their hand. It is also about encouraging them through the bad times one step at a time. It is telling them how God was with us every step of the way.