Intro: We serve the God of all comfort; the One who surrounds us with encouragement in the midst of affliction—crushing pressure . Sometimes that encouragement comes through words, but sometimes it comes when someone graciously walks along side us to offer help when we need it most. Comfort is sent by God to strengthen us and to lift our souls [mind/will/emotions] out of a place of pressure, lack, or grief. Comfort brings us courage and the perseverance to press on in faith. When we are sent to comfort others, our mission is to pass on the relief we have experienced. Did you know the Holy Spirit is our divine Comforter—the One who comes along side to help—who brings us the ability to comfort others?
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is filled with gratitude, because even though he has faced many challenges and struggles, God has covered him with mercy and brought him comfort. Because we are the children of God, we face things that reveal the power and presence of God with us. We are not alone—we have God and one another—so we experience the comfort of our salvation. God gives us grace and one another, so we will have a sense of well-being even in the midst of difficulties.
Are you in a place of lack or grief? If so, invite the Comforter to come and bring you relief. Look around you and reach for a spiritual brother or sister who is ready to help. Realize that God never wastes our suffering, but uses it to lift the next child of His who may need comfort, too.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 NLT God Offers Comfort to All
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. 7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being my Comforter, so that I may comfort others. If your children are determined to live in righteousness, we will need the comfort you alone can provide. Holy Spirit, please continue to build patience and endurance in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.