(2 Corinthians 1:1-6)…..Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
In order to receive the comfort that comes from God we must be “in Christ” There must be a new birth in the person – we must be born again. Because of being “in Christ, there are three avenues through which comfort is dispensed…..
- The Word of God – (Romans 15:4)
- Prayer – (Philippians 4:6-7)
- Through the exhortations of others – (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)
Sadly, many people neglect all avenues through which God offers comfort. They do not feed on the Word and pray to receive comfort directly. They don’t develop relationships with other Christians through which God might comfort them indirectly. One great purpose of God in comforting us is so that we can bring comfort to others – (1:4).
Have you known people who despite – tragedy – hardship – trials – were able to offer comfort to others? I have seen many times where one has lost his/her spouse – at the memorial (funeral) they are the one comforting everybody else – graciously welcoming those who came to pay their respects. We have all seen those special people who can comfort in the middle of tragedy. These are a gracious gift from our Lord. The comfort God provides through Christ is not just for our private consumption. God does not comfort us to make us comfortable – but to make us comforters. Our comfort is designed to be shared.