Providing Comfort for Victims of Abuse - WHO CAN PROVIDE COMFORT?

Those who have been abandoned by parents or victimized by people close to them may especially need comfort. the psalmist David knew that Jehovah is the most reliable provider of comfort.  (Read Psalm 27:10)  David had faith  that Jehovah takes in those who have been rejected by their loved ones. How does Jehovah do so? He uses his faithful human servants. Our fellow worshippers of Jehovah are our spiritual family.  For instance, Jesus spoke of those who joined him in worshipping  Jehovah as his brothers, sisters, and mother. - MATTHEW 12:48-50. 

Consider and example of such family-like relationships in the Christian congregation.  The apostle Paul was a hardworking, faithful elder.  He set a fine example, and he was even inspired to tell others to imitate him as he imitated Christ.  (1 Corinthians 11:1) Note how Paul once described his work as an elder." (1 Thessalonians 2:7)  Loyal elders today can likewise use tender, gentle words as they offer Scriptural comfort to those in need. 

Are elders the only ones who can give comfort to victims of abuse? No.  All of us have a responsibility to "keep comforting one another." (1 Thessalonians 4:18)  Mature Christian sisters can be especially encouraging to sisters in need of comfort. Fittingly, Jehovah God likened himself to a mother who comforts her son. (Isaiah 66:13)  The Bible includes examples of women who provided comfort to those in distress.  (Job 42:11) How delighted Jehovah is to see Christian women today offering comfort to fellow sisters who struggle with emotional pain!  In some cases, an elder or two may discreetly ask a mature sister if she is in a position to help a suffering sister in that way. 

Next time: Providing Comfort for Victims of Abuse - HOW CAN WE OFFER COMFORT?

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