While stationed in England during World War II, I received word that my 20-year-old brother Cornelius had been killed in action. The news hit me hard, but God immediately comforted me with the assurance that Cornie was safe with Jesus. The peace of God took possession of me.

Since then I have experienced the death of other family members and have visited scores of sorrowing people. What does a person do to bring comfort? Quote dozens of Bible verses? Try to analyze and explain the ways of God’s providence?

I think not. People grieving over a sudden loss are in no state of mind for intellectual exercises. They need the comfort that God alone can give. We can be His channels of blessing, but we must first experience God’s comfort so that “we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Cor. 1:4).

We can be His instruments by praying for the sorrowing, by showing that we care, by doing small kindnesses, and by speaking as He leads. But in everything we do, let’s never forget that it is He who brings the needed comfort.

Lord, thank You for comforting us in our times of need. Use us to bring comfort to others who are sorrowing.

  — Herbert Vander Lugt