Solace or Edification?

In troubled times, our heart and emotion often tend to crave for comfort. 

For solace and warmth. 

For comforting words and gestures. 


I agree comfort and solace is good and has its place. After all 2 Cor 1:4 tells us that God is God of all comfort and that He comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 

So, we are to comfort those who are in any trouble. 

Although there is a time to encourage those who are troubled with warm words, often, what is truly needed more is an edification in the Word and in the spirit (at least  for me). 

Yes, such edification may not sound as kind and loving as emphatic words like "I understand how hard that must be" or "God is with you" or "We are here for you". 

And yes, words of edification may sound harsh, like we're not trying to be considerate and understand what the other party is going through. 

When we say words like "Don't look at your circumstances, look to God and His Word" or "Stand in faith in God's promises. His Words are ever true" or maybe even "Be aware of what you are declaring. Life and death are in the power of your tongue".  

It does sound like we are not understanding their hardship and struggle. It may even sound condescending or rebuking. 

Of course, "I am praying for you" sounds nicer to the ears, right? 


But really, words of solace can only offer momentary 'feel good' comfort. 

It is only by the loving reminder of God's Words and of our authority and power in Christ that we will be able to remember our position in Christ and rise up in faith and power. 

And thereby, live victoriously for His glory. 


So, beloved in Christ, I pray that the next time you find yourself in a situation of distress, you will have friends who will comfort you. 

But much more than that, you will also have friends who love you enough and are bold enough to speak into your situation the words that you need to hear. 

Friends who will oikodomeō (edify, which is to build) you.


And when you are on the other side, you will, in turn, being guided by the Spirit, be a friend who both comforts and edifies. 

Just as the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in 1 The 5:11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another.

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