January 2021 Touchstones Theme: “Consolation/Desolation”

Desolate: “Bereft of friends or hope: sad and forlorn.” Desolation: “The state of being forsaken; loneliness.” Console: “To allay sorrow or grief.” Consolation: “The state of being consoled.”

One way to describe consolation and desolation is to compare the characteristics of each. Paul, in his Epistle to the Galatians, spoke of the 9 fruits of the spirit (5:22-23). The following table compares characteristics of consolation with those of desolation.

ConsolationDesolation
LoveHate
JoySorrow
PeaceAnxiety
PatienceImpatience
KindnessRudeness
GoodnessEvil
FaithfulnessUnfaithful
GentlenessHarshness
Self-ControlUndisciplined

The differences between consolation and desolation are dramatic, as is their impact on how we live our lives. Consolation, among other things, is empowering, while desolation is a state of powerlessness not unlike that experienced when someone is depressed.

Join us during the month of January as we explore the impact of consolation and desolation on our lives.

Exploring Consolation/Desolation

Touchstones Journal

Make sure to subscribe to the AUUF Connect List to receive this month’s issue of the Touchstones Journal and other resources about this month’s theme!

Ways to Engage Consolation/Desolation This Month