GOOD MORNING!

   Comfort often reveals the sharp edge of reality so much more than a cuddle – Spurred on HOPE of better tomorrow.

COMFORT

The meaning of this word has been diluted in many instances to make it a simple nurturing, cuddling, kind of action.    It certainly was not so in centuries past.  Yes! Consolation was offered and sitting beside someone in times of grieving in silence was and is considered the highest form of both compassion and comfort.

However we would fail our children as parents if, when they made foolish decisions and hurt themselves, we sat and cuddled them, without taking the further step to encourage and inspire them to make better choices in the future.

Many incidents in history show kings and generals ‘comforting’ their troops.  This was with words, yes, but also with the sword or lance to urge them forward to a better future so they would not stay static in the ‘now’.

Yes we should be people who comfort one another who will cry with those who weep, and rejoice with those who are happy but in our comfort we should also be people who inspire the person in the hard place to look always towards the HOPE of better.

God the Holy Spirit is often named the Comforter and His main purpose in the lives of believers is to ever tell them……’You are loved.’ His Presence brings nurture and peace but He also works consistently to make our lives better by nurturing and pushing us towards forgiveness, restoration and a tomorrow with the constant Hope of better.

   Have a Great Day!  

May you  have an opportunity to comfort someone this day in the fullness of what this word is meant to fulfil.