“He
comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. Then, when they
are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” - 2 Corinthians 1:4
The Bible stories we read as
children and hear in sermons from every pulpit in the world are told in order
to give us comfort and hope when we experience similar circumstances (Romans
15:4). Even in
the valley of the shadow of death, we find comfort through the Lord’s
protection and correction (Psalm 23:4). Then,
we in turn can comfort others in their time of
trouble. Job had three
Christian brothers who came to “comfort” him in his affliction; yet, all they
did was bring condemnation and more discouragement. We can learn from their
example to act in a more sensitive and comforting manner when others need our
help (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Psalm 119:50).
Sometimes, the Lord does not
give us words of wisdom to share with a hurting friend or relative. This is
when we simply offer to pray with them. At times, God wants our brother or
sister to turn to Him in their crisis, rather than to us. This way He can
comfort them personally. This will improve their relationship with God and also
teach them to rely more on Him to meet all of their needs. The best help we can
ever offer anyone is a personal relationship in Jesus Christ. They will
appreciate our comfort, but their life will change for the better if we tell
them about how much God really cares about them, enough to die on a cross in
order to save them from eternal damnation (John 3: 16-18).
A few times in the Gospel
accounts, we initially find Jesus exhibiting what we might term harsh or
calloused behavior when people needed His help. But, as we read on, we see that
God created these circumstances to show His glory. For instance, when Lazarus
died, Martha condemned Jesus’ behavior and seeming lack of interest in His good
friends’ plight (John 11:32). We all
know that Jesus tarried in coming to see them, in order to set the stage for a
monumental miracle in raising Lazarus from the dead (John
11:5). The Holy Spirit will also lead us
to do the Lord’s work in His way and timing in order to bring comfort to others
as He comforts us.
Prayer:
We
bless You, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and
the God of all comfort. Through the
sufferings of Your Son, You comfort
us in all of our afflictions. Then we are able to comfort others who are also
afflicted, through the comfort with which You comfort us. Our hope in You is
steadfast, knowing that, since we are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, we also
share in Your comfort (2
Corinthians 1:3-7).
Thought for the Day:
“Rejoice.
Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of
love and peace will be with you.” - 2 Corinthians 13:11