Frontline Ministries International, Inc.  

1 THESSALONIANS 4:18 --"Therefore, comfort one another with these words."

This verse tells us very clearly that the right words spoken at the right time have the power, by themselves, to comfort us. To everything there is a season. We know from the Scripture that the power of life and death are in the tongue. The right words, spoken in their season, can stand-alone. Why not a hug or a smile? Why not a gift or a remembrance? Why not a memorial or other suitable monument. These things are all good in their time, but they, by themselves, can never bring comfort. But if these are accompanied by the right words, can provide comfort also. Someone who is hurting now needs comfort now.  Someone who was hurting yesterday does not need comfort now. Someone, who might be hurting tomorrow, also does not need comfort now. Comfort is needed now at the time of need. And how much more real is it, when the comfort is brought by someone who is also experiencing the same need for comfort. Comfort comes best from someone who is feeling what you are feeling, or has felt what you feel; someone who has been there and done that. Comfort also comes best from someone who knows us and cares about us. A stranger's words of comfort might be appreciated and might even bring a certain amount of comfort, but how much more, from someone who cares about your pain, your hurt, and your grief. Comfort comes best from someone you depend on, someone who SHARES your pain. In John 14:18, Jesus says, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you."  Jesus is promising to come again as the comforter. Jesus is touched by the feelings of our infirmities.  Jesus is a man of sorrows; Jesus cares for you.  "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter that he may abide with you forever." (John 14:16). His words spoken in season to those that are hurting, brings comfort. So we are to comfort one another with the Word of God. Jesus is the Word made flesh. And "these" are the words that will bring that comfort. Through the Holy Ghost, Jesus is our comfort. His Words, spoken by us, provide us with comfort until He comes again.