When a friend or loved one has had a loss or disappointment, his natural reaction may be to withdraw from others. But God doesn’t want him to try handling pain, loss, or stress by himself. He commands each of us to bear one another’s burdens. We’re told to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).We need to be an available source of comfort. The Bible says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NIV). Every person needs Christian friends who will stand alongsidethem even when they begin to doubt the existence of God. We may be the Lord’s instrument to nurse them back to faith.Job declared, “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty” (Job 6:14 NIV). At one time or another, we will experience difficulties and hurt. Pain is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter whether or not we’re rich or poor, young or old. We will face troubles. Whom might you comfort today?