We can feel helpless when trying to comfort our family and friends amidst diagnosis or dire circumstances. In fact, it might not feel like God sees or cares about what we face.
Hereās the thing: We can still offer comfort to hurting hearts, even during moments of doubt, but only with Godās help.
El Roi: The God who sees you (and your friends)
In Genesis 16, Hagar encountered God in a new way: as the God who saw her not just in the physical sense, but also spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. He didnāt just āsee her,ā He made her feel seen. Thatās comfort in action.
Hagar, fleeing from an incredibly challenging and draining situation, found herself in a desert, pregnant and alone. It was a physical desert, but also a spiritual and emotional desert.
With the risk of death growing ever nearer, God came to her during her pain.
āShe gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: āYou are the God who sees me,ā for she said, āI have now seen the One who sees me.āā
āGenesis 16:13 [NIV]
God saw Hagar, and in doing so He gave her renewed hope, courage, and promise. This equipped her with the strength to return and face her situation with a new perspective and renewed sense of identity. Just as Hagar discovered that she was seen by God, we can also rest knowing that we are seen and loved by God. He sees the circumstances of our family and friends on a deep level that we canāt begin to comprehend.
And He cares. Oh, how He cares.
Knowing how to comfort a friend
Offering comfort depends on three factors:
- Whatās needed in the context or situation, plus
- The skills and strengths of the person providing support, plus
- How the hurting person best receives, and desires help.
When we combine these three ācomfort capabilities,ā weāre equipped to serve hurting hearts by drawing strength from Christ.
Knowing how to comfort a friend or family member by making them feel seen isnāt just a biblical skill, itās crucial for connection, community, and overall wellbeing. According to research conducted by the University of Wisconsin, people who lack social and emotional support experience increased mental distress and decreased physical health. Thatās just one reason why God wants us to live in biblical community.
Dive in and discover more with a brand-new CHM member exclusive e-book! As you learn how to comfort through understanding the attributes of God, you can navigate difficult situations (such as trying medical conditions) in your life and the lives of others.
