Until she died at age 92, my cousin Betty’s words of welcome were always the same.
“Now, you know I don’t cook, but I have plenty of beds, so plan to stay here when you come.”
For breakfast, Betty served coffee with toast. Guests often cooked eggs or made sandwiches in her kitchen, but each evening, our hostess treated us to fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Soft pillows, fluffy towels, and hearty laughter at family stories enhanced Betty’s relaxed style of entertaining and wrapped us in a warm, put-your-feet-up sense of home.
In a word, comfort.
Whether in her home or away, this dear cousin served as the comfort center of our clan. Her words cheered my accomplishments, and her embrace calmed my grieving heart when my mom died. A mental snapshot of Betty’s bear hugs kindles heart-warmth like few others. Do similar memories soothe your soul?
In a world teeming with fear, unrest, and sin, people around us yearn for comfort—physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort. How can we share this valuable heart balm with others? How can we share God’s comfort with them?
In a world teeming with fear, unrest, and sin, people around us yearn for comfort—physical, emotional, and spiritual comfort. Share on X
Three Doorways to Comfort
The door of our hearts
The key to blessing those around us with authentic comfort is opening the door of our hearts to God. We simply can’t give what we don’t have. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He fills us with His Spirit and guides us as we minister to others. The work of Christ in us promises His comfort now and in eternity.
How can we open this portal of blessing for ourselves and others? When we listen to God through prayer and Bible study, He comforts our heartaches and equips us to meet needs in His strength.
The door of our homes
When we open the door of our homes to others, we forge relationships and find hearts knit together in our cozy nest. The aroma of food cooking excites olfactory senses, but five-course dinners served on fine china are not required. Whew! Cookouts or coffee-and-cake chats are delightful!
Physical signs of welcome, such as pineapple motifs or cheery doormats, add visual appeal, but God’s love, care, and acceptance tucked into the heart of guests by their hosts are long-lasting and comforting.
Physical signs of welcome, such as pineapple motifs or cheery doormats, add visual appeal, but God’s love, care, and acceptance tucked into the heart of guests by their hosts are long-lasting and comforting. Share on X
The door of opportunity
After we seek God’s guidance, He sprinkles glittering jewels on our path—opportunities to extend His comfort to others outside of our homes. Those jewels of opportunity may be encapsulated in hard work, but when we cross the threshold set before us, others experience His comfort.
Is there an elderly neighbor who would cherish a visit or a friend seeking the comfort of Jesus and assurance of eternal life? Do you know a widow who needs a dinner invitation or assistance at her home? Is God tugging at your heart about a ministry door you’re reluctant to open?
The door of our heart, the door of our home, or the door of opportunity—which one will we open this week? Behind all three, treasures await us.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
