People mourn in different ways.

At some funerals, people celebrate joyfully that a loved one is finally at rest in God. At other funerals, the loss of life is nothing to celebrate. Family and friends can barely breathe beneath all their grief.

Likewise, there are different ways to comfort someone who mourns. Some are encouraged by words; others by food or flowers. Some are comforted by the presence of a close friend or loved one lending their support long after the other well-wishers have moved on.

In Isaiah’s day, in addition to the loss of loved ones, Israel mourned the loss of freedom to conquering nations, the loss of personal and religious identity, and the loss of hope for a vibrant future.

Whether someone experiences the loss of a loved one, the loss of hope, or the loss of happiness due to sin or poor decision-making, it’s important to seek God on how best to comfort them.

A hug, silence, consolation, encouragement, or your simple presence — this is our opportunity to stand in the place of God, our greatest Comforter. It’s also our opportunity to remind the bereaved one that Christ will one day return to heal every broken heart and to provide the eternal comfort of a world free of sin, death, and suffering.