Divine Definitions: (1) Imparting reassurance, encouragement, and strength; (2) Bringing solace and consolation in times of distress; (3) Providing grace, hope, and cheer; (4) Showing compassion and soul soothing kindness; (5) Bestowing satisfaction and contentment; (6) The Teacher of all things
Comments:
• Definition number six, “the Teacher of all things,” helps us understand how comfort is beyond a simple hug with a sympathetic, “It will be all right. I’ll help you through this.” Comfort also includes information, security, and understanding. The more we know the more comfortable we feel.
• Some of God’s qualities (omnipotence, omniscience) are impossible to share. Some, like comfort, are where we have our opportunity to be like Him. We can give comfort, in all of its forms (teacher, listener, inventor, nurse) to our brothers and sisters; all the while getting better as we practice.
COMFORTING
Human Definitions: (1) imparting encouragement and strength; heartening; (2) bringing solace or cheer to someone; consoling; reassuring; (3) providing grace, hope, and cheer; showing compassion and soul soothing kindness; (4) bestowing satisfaction and contentment
Synonyms: relieving, supportive
Quotes:
• Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and repeat to yourself, the most comforting words of all; this, too, shall pass. — Esther Pauline “Eppie” Lederer [pen name: Ann Landers] (1918-2002) Advice columnist
• We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. — Viktor Emil Frankl (1905-1997) Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, & Holocaust survivor