Comforting Others

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.                 (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT)

The older we get the more comforts we desire. When we were younger we enjoyed camping, sleeping on an air mattress, eating burnt bacon and eggs over an open pit fire, and pulling a tarp over us when it rained. We laughed through it all. But now we want a nice motel, with elevators, a comfortable king size bed, a color TV, hot showers, and a full size breakfast. Oh, where has the pioneer spirit gone?

     In the Scriptures, God presents a different perspective on comfort. His emphasis is not on plush surroundings and creature comforts. His comfort is in the spiritual realm rather than the physical. Human comfort often comes with a hug, holding of hands, words of encouragement, and acts of kindness. God never promises to remove all difficulties, pain, and suffering, but he does promise to stand with us in our hours of trial.

     It is never easy or pleasant to stand by a hospital bed and watch a person die. My son’s wife was in a comatose state and there was nothing we could say or do to help her. I remember feeling so helpless. The only comfort I could give my son was to stand beside him with my arm around him and let me know that I was “there” for him. In times like that there are no comforting words that could be spoken. Uttering time worn clichés would only deepen the pain he was suffering.

     Moses said in Deuteronomy 33:26,27, “There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you.” (NLT)

     God promises to be your refuge and help. As you embrace him—he embraces you. What a wonderful mutual promise. Have you felt his loving arms around you? As an act of worship, you might want to thank him for his divine comfort.

     Look for an opportunity to offer comfort to someone today, give them a hug, offer to pray with them, or offer a word of comfort. They will be blessed of God and so will you.

Payer: Dear Lord, you are the God of all comfort and you have given us the responsibility of passing your divine comfort on to others in need.