Should A Comfort Letter Include A Christ Component?

This was a question in my women's bible study yesterday:

Should a comfort letter include a Christ component?

Most answered no because it might turn someone off and make them back away from you and your help. They thought this could happen with a non-believer and even with a Christian. So, they thought it best to try and help in other ways first, build a relationship, and hope to have an opportunity later to speak to them about the love of Christ.

I can see their point. Anyone who has stepped out in faith to speak truth for God to another has been rejected at some point. The other person has pushed back, walked away out of fear, leaving us to feel like we didn't help and we should have done it differently.

But, let me ask a few questions.

Where does true comfort lie?

Is it found in us or in our abilities to handle a situation? Do we have all the answers to life's tough questions?

Who has more compassion and love for another human being, me or God?

Can I really love someone else as much as God does? Can I really have enough compassion for someone else like God does?

We live in a sin sick world. All of the hurts, trials, discomforts, and evil of this world are due to sin. Sin that is our nature. Sin that is the root of the problem.

Sin is the explanation for all the problems of the world and Jesus is the solution to all those problems. Can we really help someone if we consciously avoid sharing the truth and the solution?

When someone is in need of comfort they usually are more open to the message of Jesus as Savior. When life is great they have no need for a Savior because everything seems to be ok around them.

But, in those dark places where things feel out of control, and you are drowning in sorrow, or guilt, or fear, your heart is open to any help. Why not share Christ and his hope with them!

They may accept God's gift of grace and his help and comfort. Or, they may not. They may be turned off and walk away. But, at least you used the opportunity you did have to share the gospel with them. It planted a seed that someone else may water down the road. We are not responsible for bringing another to faith, God is. But, God wants us to help through our words and our actions.

Preaching Christ can't be the only thing we do. We still need to love with action. Show compassion, listen, and love practically. I think we need both words and actions. Not our words but God's words.

Jesus is our example in all we do. Did he avoid speaking truth to the people he helped?

Let's not live in fear but boldly tell others where true healing and life is found. Let's face it, we might be running out of time.