How can I help others cope with tragedy?

Job 2:11When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. Their names were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite.

Job 21:34“How can your empty clichés comfort me? All your explanations are lies!”

Psalm 69:20Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.

We can comfort and console those who are suffering. Often our presence is more important than our words.

Romans 15:26For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.

We can meet their physical needs in practical, compassionate ways. Small gifts often turn into great blessing.

1 Kings 17:20Then Elijah cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, why have you brought tragedy to this widow who has opened her home to me, causing her son to die?”

Psalm 20:1In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

We can intercede in prayer for people in distress.

Nehemiah 2:17Now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!”

We can encourage those who are suffering to keep going and, when the time is right, help them rebuild.