As I wrote yesterday about the discouragement of having symptoms return from the two auto-immune diseases I battle, I thought more about the Scripture from 1Thessalonians 5:14. The entire verse reads:
“And we exhort you, brothers: warn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” [HCSB]
Comfort the discouraged. Some translations use “encourage” instead of comfort.
For Comfort/Encourage the word is paramutheomai. It comes from two words that mean “Close beside” and “soothing speaking.” It is comforting that shows sympathy (encouragement), cheering someone up by soothing speech with a personal touch.
It does not mean pumping someone up by false cheerleading! And yet, how often is that the way we interpret encourage. We say, “it’s gonna get better,” or “This too shall pass,” or we throw Scriptures at a person. We may get them revved up for a while, but I guarantee that discouragement will find its way back.
I associate the word “comfort” with a hug (that close beside part of the word), and with a quietness that springs from a gentle and peaceful spirit (that soothing speaking part of the word).
When I am disheartened or discouraged, I just want someone to put their arms around me, pray for me, tell me they love me. I know they usually cannot change my situation, but to know that someone is there for me when I need to reach out brings a deep peace of spirit.
Today: I am thankful for the hugs of fellow believers and their soft words of love.
