Five Themes Of Consolation

While recently reading Martin Luther’s letters of spiritual counsel to the sick, dying and bereaved I was struck by the helpfulness of his simple and spiritual method.

Luther was comforting and guiding those with severe illnesses, chronic conditions, and sudden tragedies. The recipients were relatives, colleagues, friends and politicians even. He wrote to those who had lost husband or wife, and many whose children had died. 

Five themes from Luther’s letters stood out to me that can help us better help one another through difficult times.

The Sovereignty of God and the Reality of His Goodness

God orchestrates both good events and evil events in our lives, Luther said. He is wise and inscrutable in His purposes, and trustworthy and good as our Father. We must humbly submit to His sovereign rule and will, while at the same time rest in His goodness and faithfulness. We can worship at all times.

Today, we tend to think God only sends us good and that bad just sort of happens. Bad things may come from ourselves or others, or even the devil, but not from God. This faulty reasoning causes much unnecessary pain and confusion. Instead, we should learn to trust Him who rules over all and ultimately will bring good to His children.


The Activity of Satan and the Reality of His Evil

Satan is very active in our world and in our lives to destroy our faith in Christ, to bring doubt and despair and to stir up many other forms of evil. Not only does he use our circumstances against us, but also works through other people and his army of demons. Spiritual warfare is a major part of the story of our lives.

Today, we rarely admit his influence or dare to talk about it. We chose instead to offer secular and naturalistic explanations almost exclusively. This avoidance of the truth weakens our spiritual resolve. Instead, we should learn to make full use of biblical terms, categories and reasonings to fight the good fight of faith. 

The Frailty of Humanity and Our Mutual Compassion

We live as weak people in a broken world. We should extend compassion to others when they are suffering, even if that is all we can do. Tragedy is a part of life and our lives will only be free from it later in heaven and the coming Kingdom. We need to help one another see the larger picture of life and death, and Christ and eternal life.

Today, we are mistaken in thinking that we can change or prevent most troubles in our lives. Consequently, we tolerate too much grief or we allow too little of it. Our grief should be moderated by the hope of the Gospel; and yet, we should give people space and time to grieve appropriately to our common human condition. Instead, we should accept the hard realities of life, and in the midst of them grant people dignity and offer them compassion that directs them to Christ.

The Power of Christ, the Gospel and Faith

Christ is alive! And He meets the needs of His people in their pain, suffering and heartache. The Gospel message brings truth, peace and hope into our life stories. Our faith will be strengthened by meditating upon the Word of Christ and pouring out our affirmation of faith in the Gospel in prayer to God. We will make it through safely and powerfully to the end.

Today, we look too quickly to man-made solutions to solve our physical condition and even our spiritual condition. We explain too much, when what we need to do is recognize that in reality it is Christ who heals both body and soul through His gifts. Instead, we should encourage one another to go to Christ as the healer and find His Gospel and our faith powerful in our circumstances.

Joy and Glory in the Larger History of Redemption

Joy and excitement overtake us when we spend time reviewing the larger history of God’s work in the world and for our redemption. Believe it or not, some of the most comforting passages of Scripture are historical narratives precisely because they lift our heads and hearts to what God is doing.

Today, we look for isolated Bible passages that might apply in a deeply personal way. We are way too introspective and focused on personal meaning in our personal pain. Our story is not the only story, nor is it the most important story in the universe. Instead, we need to find our proper place in His story and rejoice in Him and His glory.

One final observation from Luther’s letters that stands out and one that will help us help others is this. He uses one, two or three Bible verses in each letter, or he refers to a Bible story. He finds examples that are stronger than a person’s current crisis to encourage him or her. He will sometimes share his own experience to identify with another’s pain. Most importantly, in the majority of the letters he reminds the sufferer of the greater sufferings of Christ and His greater victory in the end. 

This is how Luther models for us pastoral care that will help us help others better.