The meaning of the word "comfort" may vary with the thought of each individual, but it is often conceived of as denoting rest, solace, and freedom from pain. However, the synonyms given in one dictionary accord it much fuller meaning and indicate why Jesus spoke of the Holy Ghost or "the Spirit of truth" as the Comforter. Some of the synonyms of the verb "comfort" are enliven, inspirit, refresh, confirm, strengthen, soothe, sustain.
Through the study and demonstration of Christian Science we learn that Christ, which reveals divine Love's allness and man's unity with that Love, is the ever-present, ever-active Comforter. Eliphaz exhorted Job to accept that spiritual unity, when he said (Job 22:21), "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace." He then described the rewarding results of such acceptance as follows: "Thereby good shall come unto thee."
In the Old Testament we are given many proofs that the inspired prophets caught frequent glimpses of the unity of God and man. Those moments of revelation brought out not only physical healing of disease, but freedom from the belief of tyranny and evil. How often were despotism and oppression reversed and the presence of the Comforter made evident!
