Even though we are Christians and have eternal life, we all will experience trouble. However, we have God’s promise that He will comfort us when we encounter difficult times. Second Corinthians 1:3-4 say, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Comfort means to soothe, console, or strengthen; to relieve or ease someone’s pain. Note that God will comfort us in “all” our troubles, regardless of whether they are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. That word “all” lets us know that no matter how dire the circumstances appear to be, God is still able to give us relief.
God comforts us in our troubles because He is the “Father of compassion.” Compassion is being aware of someone’s suffering, then being moved enough to take action to alleviate it. When we undergo trials, let us remember that God knows what we are going through and, because of His love, He will comfort us in the midst of our situation.
These verses tell us that we are to respond to God’s comfort in two ways. First, we should praise Him. There are many ways to praise God, but in this context, praising God means to acknowledge that the comfort we have came from Him and to thank Him for it.
Our second response to God’s comfort is to assist others. Once God strengthens us, He wants to use us to help ease the pain of someone else who may be having a tough time. We can help comfort others by telling them how God consoled us and letting them know that He can do the same for them.
Your testimony of how God comforted you may be just what your family member, friend, or co-worker needs to hear to help them look to God for relief in their trials. Keep your eyes and ears open to see who God might want you to help comfort today.
When was the last time you experienced God’s comfort, and how did He comfort you? Tell me in the comments.
Recent Comments