Scripture
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
“All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give the same comfort that God has given us.”
Observation
Every person goes through hard times. Every person experiences pain and sadness. The good news is we are not alone. God our Father comforts his children in their times of sorrow. He comes and stands by our side. But like every other blessing God gives us, we are not to keep the comfort God gives us to ourselves. When I see someone else suffering I am to give them the same comfort that God gave me. I do not hoard God’s comfort. I am a conduit. God comforts me in my sorrow and troubles and I comfort others in their sorrows and troubles.
Application
There are two applications in this passage.
1) When I am going through difficult times and when my heart is broken I can rely on God. I can lean on Him. He will comfort me in my troubles. Comfort is more than having compassion. God does more than feel sorry for me. Comfort means to come alongside and walk with me. Jesus uses the same concept when he calls the Holy Spirit our comforter. He comes along beside me and walks me through my troubles.
2) I am to be a comforter. I am to give comfort to others when they are experiencing troubles. I am to do more than feel sorry for them and pray a token prayer. I am to walk along beside them. I am to hold their hand. I am to intercede in prayer. I am to meet their practical needs. I am to do for them what God has done for me.
Prayer
I ask for your comfort. Walk with me. Come along beside me. Lead me as I try to lead the church. I need your comfort. I also ask that I may be a comfort. I want to be a good shepherd. I want to care for the people you have placed under my care. Give me a fresh baptism of love for the people, even the difficult people. I want to be a help to those who are hurting.
