Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Solace refers to comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness. In the biblical context, solace is often associated with the comfort provided by God, His Word, and His people to those who are suffering or in need. Biblical Instances and Themes: 1. God as the Source of Solace: The Bible frequently portrays God as the ultimate source of comfort and solace. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 , Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." This passage highlights the divine nature of solace, emphasizing that God not only provides comfort but also equips believers to extend that comfort to others. 2. The Role of Scripture: The Word of God is a significant source of solace for believers. Romans 15:4 states, "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope." The Scriptures offer encouragement and hope, serving as a balm for the weary soul. 3. The Holy Spirit as Comforter: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a Comforter to His disciples. In John 14:16-17 , Jesus says, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit provides solace by dwelling within believers, guiding, and sustaining them through life's challenges. 4. Community and Fellowship: The Christian community is called to be a source of solace for one another. Galatians 6:2 instructs, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Fellowship among believers is a means through which God’s comfort is manifested, as they support and encourage each other. 5. Prayer as a Means of Solace: Prayer is a vital practice for seeking solace. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Through prayer, believers find peace and comfort in God’s presence. 6. Examples of Solace in the Psalms: The Psalms are replete with expressions of seeking and finding solace in God. Psalm 23:4 declares, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." The psalmist finds solace in God’s presence and protection, even in the darkest times. 7. Jesus’ Compassion and Solace: Jesus Himself provided solace to those in distress. In Matthew 11:28 , He invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus’ ministry was marked by acts of compassion and comfort, offering rest to the weary and hope to the hopeless. Conclusion: While solace is a deeply personal experience, it is also a communal and divine gift. The Bible presents solace as a multifaceted concept, rooted in the character of God, the truth of Scripture, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the love of the Christian community. Through these means, believers are assured of God’s unwavering comfort and are called to be conduits of that solace to others. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Comfort in grief; alleviation of grief or anxiety; also, that which relieves in distress; that which cheers or consoles; relief.2. (v. t.) Rest; relaxation; ease. 3. (n.) To cheer in grief or under calamity; to comfort; to relieve in affliction, solitude, or discomfort; to console; -- applied to persons; as, to solace one with the hope of future reward. 4. (n.) To allay; to assuage; to soothe; as, to solace grief. 5. (v. i.) To take comfort; to be cheered. Greek 3931. paregoria -- exhortation, comfort ... comfort. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: paregoria Phonetic Spelling: (par-ay-gor-ee'-ah) Short Definition: solace, consolation Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3931.htm - 7k 3874. paraklesis -- a calling to one's aid, ie encouragement ... Strong's Hebrew 5205. nid -- quivering motion (of lips)... 5204b, 5205. nid. 5206 . quivering motion (of lips). Transliteration: nid Phonetic Spelling: (need) Short Definition: solace. Word ... /hebrew/5205.htm - 6k 5965. alas -- to rejoice 8575. tanchum -- consolation 5150. nichum -- comfort, compassion Library That True Solace is to be Sought in God Alone Sweet is the Solace of Thy Love, The Solace of Faith. Because Thou Hast Forsaken the Solace and the Joy of this World... The Solace of the Life to Come. The Master. Letter xxxix (AD 1137) to the Same. That Perfect Love Binds to God Without Loosing and Makes Man ... Of the Excellence of Ghostly Song: and that it Neither Can be Said ... The Mourner's Comfort. Thesaurus Solace (2 Occurrences)... To cheer in grief or under calamity; to comfort; to relieve in affliction, solitude, or discomfort; to console; -- applied to persons; as, to solace one with ... /s/solace.htm - 7k Sojourns (18 Occurrences) Lessen (4 Occurrences) Relieve (14 Occurrences) Cheer (22 Occurrences) Comfort (130 Occurrences) Assuage (1 Occurrence) Solam (1 Occurrence) Support (135 Occurrences) Relief (32 Occurrences) Resources What is the key to not being afraid according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I gain a passion for winning souls? | GotQuestions.org Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation? | GotQuestions.org Solace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Solace (2 Occurrences)Job 16:5 Proverbs 7:18 Subtopics Related Terms |
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