“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life.” (Mosiah 18:9). Alma uses the word stand twice in this verse. He talks about the willingness to stand as a witness of God, and he also talks about the willingness to comfort those that stand. A lot of the focus on sharing the gospel and ministering to our brothers and sisters is towards those who are for one reason or another not standing tall and firm and steadfast as witnesses of God in all times and in all things and in all places. This is all well and good and proper. It makes sense to spend the most time with those who have the most need. But just because someone is standing as a witness, valiant in their testimony, diligent in their faithfulness, abounding selflessly in good works and charity, this does not mean that such a person is not in need of comfort. Jesus, Himself, as He stood as the ultimate witness, was nevertheless comforted by an angel in his uttermost need. We sometimes judge unrighteously that just because on the outside someone seems to have their life together and all of the ingredients for peace and joy and prosperity, then they obviously neither need nor deserve comfort of any kind. In fact, it would be wrong to devote any time, energy, or resources to them and their needs when there are so many others who are suffering so much worse. I hope that when we are seeking out whom to comfort, we give heed to the promptings of the Spirit when we are guided to comfort even those who stand as witnesses of God, and that if we ourselves are standing as witnesses and in desperate need of comfort, we will not turn away those who see our need and offer us their comfort.
