By Tin-chee Lo (盧天賜)
I recently heard a sermon by a pastor entitled, “What’s the problem when sound theology fails to comfort people?” My first impression of this topic was curiosity which immediately triggered my thoughts.
It is human nature to seek comfort in the midst of suffering regardless cultures and religions. For example: Buddhism’s “no-selfness” and “total detachment” are philosophies that can transcend suffering. Islam’s “fatalism” and “Allah’s absolute sovereignty” encourage people to practice Stoicism. The Chinese fable (塞翁失馬) about “blessing in disguise” can serve as analgesia to the sufferers.
If pagan beliefs and worldly philosophies can comfort people, then why can’t focusing on correct “Christian theology” provide consolation? The answer to this question may lead us to suspect that the title of the sermon may be a misnomer, perhaps, intentionally.
First, we need to know what “theology” is. Many years ago, Pastor Stephen Tong explained that “theology” means “learning God.” So, the word “theology” is by no means a mysterious term. Yet theology is often expressed in the language of doctrinal statements.
The thematic text for this sermon is Job 25 and 26. These passages talk about the episodes when an upright man by the name of Job suffered, his friends planned to use “theology” to comfort him, but their plan backfired. The central idea of the entire sermon is that when people are suffering, we should not use “preaching” to comfort them, rather, use acts of love to make people feel that they are cared even in their midst of suffering. Acts of love include such things as “accompaniment”, “helpful hands”, “prayers”, or even “silence” to let others know that you care about them so that they may be comforted.
I totally agree with what the speaking pastor said in a practical sense. Because at that moment it is useless to talk about doctrine (or theology). But if you are not to use the “theology” about which you had spent a lot of time learning to comfort someone at the moment when this person needs your comfort the most, then what is the point of theology? This is the question that I am about to address. I am not to criticize the content of the speaker’s sermon, but to supplement the part he did not say: that is, to emphasize the indispensability of “doctrine.”
Doctrine is a statement that affirms biblical truth. For example, when you explain the Trinity of God or the dual nature of Jesus, you are engaging in a doctrinal declaration or a theological discussion. With that, let us consider two familiar doctrinal truths:
(A) God is holy. He does not consider the guilt guiltless. Sins must meet with judgment.
(B) God is slow to anger and abounds in lovingkindness. He forgives generously and keeps his covenant and shows mercy. He protects his people and provides for their needs, and is a refuge for those who put their trust in Him.
Job’s friends tried to comfort Job using doctrine (A), then, of course, they failed to achieve their goal of comforting Job. It is not a question of whether this doctrine itself is correct, but whether it is applied appropriately in that particular circumstance. If, however, Job’s friends had used the second doctrine (B) to comfort Job, I am quite sure that Job would have been comforted. So, theology does comfort!
It has been shown that human words are futile to truly comfort, but the words of God have the power to consulate those who are under trial. This is why during memorial services the presiding pastors oftentimes use Psalm 23 to comfort the bereaved family and friends. Doesn’t this illustrate the comforting effect of timely doctrine?
I am reminded of a metaphor that Dr. Billy Graham once mentioned at a funeral. He said, “For Christians, losing a loved one is like saying goodbye at the airport. Although we are separated temporarily and reluctant to part, we are comforted by knowing that we will meet again at the terminal in heaven in the future.” This parable emphasizes the Christian hope for eternal life and that death is not the final outcome, but a stage on the journey to eternity.” Isn’t Billy Graham using a parable to teach a very important and hopeful eschatological doctrine?
Every Christian has a role that he cannot escape, that is, “being a theologian.” Perhaps you will at once object and say, “I have just become a believer and have not even read the entire Bible once, so how can I be a theologian?” May I do an experiment to support my argument just made. As a Christian, you must like to share the gospel with others. When someone asks you, “Why do you believe in Jesus?” you start to explain: “Jesus loves me. He died for me on the cross, He forgave my sins, and gave me precious eternal life.” Do you see now? As soon as you open your mouth, you have just made some doctrinal statements. Doesn’t this prove that you are a theologian?
So the question is not “whether are you a theologian?” but “whether you are you a “good” theologian?” Therefore, we should study the Bible regularly, attend church on Sundays, seriously think about and respond to the content of each Sunday sermons, participate in Sunday schools and Bible study groups, etc. Day by day, we would slowly become better theologians. These are all daily preparations during the “peace” time so that when “war” time (disaster) comes, we are well equipped to make a biblical response. Or when others are in trials, we would know how to use appropriate doctrine to comfort those in distress or even in severe suffering. Since we are already theologians, we cannot escape this identity, so we might as well strive to have a clearer understanding of the teachings of the Bible. This is a lifelong lesson and a course from which you can never be graduated. So, I can say that the thoughts and actions of Christians must be based on correct doctrines. This “actions” here of course also include how we “comfort” others biblically.
Indeed, generally speaking, when our relatives, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ are in suffering, we should not use “preaching” as a means to comfort them. At that time, we should use more practical ways to comfort them: such as companionship, helping hands, and supplications or prayers for others, and so on. Just think about it, if we practice these loving actions without the backbone of correct Christian doctrine, then our comforting will not be able to bring life and hope to the sufferers. At best, it can only give them temporary relief, which is not much different from the comfort given by the pagans and secular philosophies which let to futility, not redemption.
The doctrine should not be spoken at the very moment of comforting others, but should be learned in our daily lives. Through listening to sermons, studying the Bible, and group discussions, we can better understand the true meaning of doctrine. Then our hearts and minds will be equipped and conditioned to comfort others with appropriate doctrines and, of course, practical acts of loving with gospel in mind.
Summary:
- Doctrines are very important because they are statements and affirmations of biblical truth. And Jesus Christ Himself is the embodiment of truth.
- We should seek wisdom from God on how to use timely doctrines to comfort others.
- Learning doctrines is a daily effort, not a last-minute attempt to cope with suffering.
- Every Christian is a theologian; this is an inescapable duty, so we must equip ourselves well to become good theologians.
- Comforting others requires loving actions. But these actions must be based on doctrinal understanding.
- Only the “Holy Spirit is the true Comforter.” is itself a statement of doctrine. The cry of the sufferer “God, why me?” is a plead to find theological answer. Hence, theology and the act of comforting are inseparable related.
I may have said many things obvious. But the relationship between biblical theology (or doctrines) and the art of comforting is clearly made.
