You Need More than Comfort

You need more than comfort to get through the pain of dealing with past sexual abuse. You need the support of others. What's the difference between comfort and support? People supply the comfort you need when they share your sorrow emotionally. People supply the support you need by helping you during this time in practical, helpful ways. You need the help of people who are committed to obeying Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." For example, practical support can be shown by encouraging and offering to go with someone to tell his or her parents about the abuse. Support is also provided when people volunteer to run errands for you, to help you with chores or oth­erwise to ease your burden so you can concen­trate on healing.

You may be tempted to ignore or to refuse the support offered by others. You may feel that you can handle everything yourself or you may not want others to be bothered with things you normally do for yourself. Resist that temptation. God put Galatians 6:2 in the Bible, because He knows there are times we should rely on the sup­port of others. This is such a time. Let other people do things for you, and be grateful for their help. It is one of the ways God is providing for your needs at this time.