Our Comforting God

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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

Devotion

            These verses were originally written to a church that was undergoing tremendous suffering and pain. There was much turmoil and chaos in the church in Corinth. Paul here tries to bring a word of hope and encouragement to these hurting people. The kind of comfort referred to here is a comfort that comes from God and seeks to strengthen the sufferer to endure whatever hardship or pain they may be experiencing knowing that ultimately God will be there for you when you need him.

            The church today still suffers hardships and persecutions. This word from Paul is needed in the church around the world today more than ever before. There are famines, diseases, and other hardships that make life miserable for the church in the world right now. But the Lord always goes ahead of us offering comfort and solace to those who are in any sort of distress. We should also offer comfort when and where we can. It is our calling to comfort one another even as we have been comforted.

            In America, the winds of persecution and discomfort are beginning to blow ever so gently on the church. We as Christians must be ready to comfort one another whenever there is suffering or distress. We must comfort our fellow believers with the comfort that the Lord has given us. Remember the kind of comfort here is not the comfort of luxury and ease but is the comfort of strength and steadfastness. We must support one another to stand strong together for the faith we have in Jesus.

            We must find ways to truly comfort one another so that we will have the strength to stand up regardless of what the flesh, the world, and the devil throws at us each day. Let the world see how we love and support one another. Our goal should be that God’s name will be praised throughout the earth because of our love for God and one another. Let us pray that our eyes will be opened for opportunity to comfort one another.

Prayer:

            Holy God, all praises to you because you comfort and rescue your people from and in all distress. May you look on your church today in the world and comfort us as we seek to stand up for your name. Help us to comfort each other as you would have to. May our love and comfort for one another be a witness to a watching and hurting world. Amen.

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