Comforting Children in Times of Suffering and Adversity
Comforting Children in Times of Suffering and Adversity
Comforting children in times of suffering and adversity is a vital aspect of Christian parenting and ministry. The Bible provides guidance on how to comfort children, with passages such as Genesis 50:21, where Joseph comforts his brothers by speaking kindly to them [1]. The apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God "comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God" [2, 3].
The biblical basis for comforting children in times of suffering is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a comforter to those who are afflicted. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, God comforts the afflicted, preserves them, and delivers them from their troubles [5]. Jesus Christ is also described as a comforter, who supports and comforts believers in their sufferings [5]. The Bible instructs believers to comfort one another, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, which encourages believers to "comfort one another with these words" [4].
In comforting children, parents and caregivers can draw on the biblical teachings about God's care and compassion. John Chrysostom, an Eastern Orthodox father, emphasizes the importance of teaching children about God's care and comfort from a young age, so that they may develop a strong foundation for their faith [8]. According to John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, God's pity for his children is like that of a father for his children, showing compassion and tender affection towards them [9].
The Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke, understands 2 Corinthians 1:4 to mean that God's comfort is not limited to alleviating suffering but also enables believers to comfort others in their tribulations [7]. This understanding highlights the importance of community and mutual support in comforting children. By sharing their own experiences of God's comfort, parents and caregivers can help children understand that they are not alone in their suffering.
The Presbyterian tradition, as seen in the commentary on Job, notes that the book of Job provides insight into the problem of suffering, emphasizing that God is sovereign and that believers must trust in His goodness, even when they do not understand their circumstances [6]. This perspective can help children develop a deeper understanding of God's character and sovereignty.
In practice, comforting children in times of suffering involves a range of actions, including praying for them, sympathizing with them, and providing physical comfort [4]. By doing so, parents and caregivers can help children experience God's comfort and care.
The biblical teachings on comforting children in times of suffering and adversity provide a rich foundation for Christian ministry and parenting. By understanding God's character as a comforter and applying biblical principles, parents and caregivers can help children navigate difficult circumstances and develop a deeper trust in God's goodness.
Sources
- Genesis “Genesis 50:21 (YLT) — and now, fear not: I do nourish you and your infants;' and he comforteth them, and speaketh unto their heart.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 1:4 — Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 1:4 (Webster) — Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble by the consolation with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted, Duty Toward The — To pray for them -- Ac 12:5; Php 1:16,19; Jas 5:14-16. To sympathise with them -- Ro 12:15; Ga 6:2. To pity them -- Job 6:14. To bear them in mind -- Heb 13:3. To visit them -- Jas 1:27. To comfort them -- Job 16:5; 29:25; 2Co 1:4; 1Th 4:18. To relieve them -- Job 31:19,20; Isa 58:10; Php 4:14; 1Ti 5:10. To protect them -- Ps 82:3; Pr 22:22; 31:5.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflicted Saints — God is with -- Ps 46:5,7; Isa 43:2. God is a refuge and strength to -- Ps 27:5,6; Isa 25:4; Jer 16:19; Na 1:7. God comforts -- Isa 49:13; Jer 31:13; Mt 5:4; 2Co 1:4,5; 7:6. God preserves -- Ps 34:20. God delivers -- Ps 34:4,19; Pr 12:13; Jer 39:17,18. Christ is with -- Joh 14:18. Christ supports -- 2Ti 4:17; Heb 2:18. Christ comforts -- Isa 61:2; Mt 11:28-30; Lu 7:13; Joh 14:1; 16:33. Christ preserves -- Isa 63:9; Lu 21:18. Christ delivers -- Re 3:10. Should praise God -- Ps 13:5,6; 56:8-10; 57:6,7; 71:20-23. Should imitate Christ -- Heb 12:1-3; 1P”
- Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 21:7: The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22. old--in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, Job 8:14).”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 1:4: Who comforteth us - Who shows himself to be the God of tender mercy, by condescending to notice us, who have never deserved any good at his hand; and also the God of all consolation, by comforting us in all our tribulation - never leaving us a prey to anxiety, carking care, persecution, or temptation; but, by the comforts of his Spirit, bearing us up in, through, and above, all our trials and difficulties. That we may be able to comfort them - Even spiritual comforts are not given us for our use alone; they, like all the gifts of God, are given that they may b”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: leisure and assign a season for everything else, and yet think it a troublesome and unseasonable thing for your children to take in hand what relates to Him? Do not so, brethren, do not so. It is this very age that most of all needs the hearing these things; for from its tenderness it readily stores up what is said; and what children hear is impressed as a seal on the wax of their minds. Besides, it is then that their life begins to incline to vice or virtue; and if from the very gates 43 43 al. “beginning.” and portals one lead them away from iniqu”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 103:12: Like as a father pitieth his children,.... When in any affliction, disorder, or distress: the Lord stands in the relation of a Father to his people; they are his children by adopting grace, through the covenant of grace with them; by a sovereign act of his own will he puts them among the children, predestinates them to the adoption of children; and sends his Son to redeem them, that they might receive it, and his Spirit to bear witness to their spirits, that they are his children; and towards these he has all the affections of a tender parent. So the Lord pitieth ”