Our English word “comfort” comes from two Latin words that together mean “with strength.” The Holy Spirit is called the “Comforter” because He strengthens us and gives us the help to handle the challenges facing us.

The Greek word translated “comforter” παράκλητος (paraklētos, par-ak’-lay-tos) means “one called alongside to help.” The word could also be translated “encourager.”

To encourage someone means to put courage into them, or to give them strength for the heart.

Christ does bring comfort to our hearts, but we are called and told to be Christ to hurting people.

The word “Christian” means “little Christ.” We are His arms, His legs, His hands and His voice.

In 2 Corinthians 7:4-6, Paul mentions how God used Titus to bring comfort to him and those with him in Macedonia.

Here’s what Paul said starting in the middle of verse 4:

“I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.
Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us when Titus arrived.”

As encouragers, we must meet people where they are. Truly, grief work is hard work. But I know that the body of Christ is up to the task because God is our refuge and our strength.

We can bring comfort to others because we personally know the Mercy and Kindness of THE Comforter.

~ Mary Lindow ^©

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” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
Global Prayer Rooms

Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others in all generations and careers or vocations to live and express excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She is a sought after keynote inspirational and humorous speaker and teacher throughout the United States internationally in Ministers conferences, International Spiritual leaders Conferences, and in National and International training seminars for various organizations.