Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
We hear much in scripture about taking up our cross and bearing our burden with Christ, that we will meet conflict and opposition. While this is all true, we sometimes forget that “as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (v. 5). The Good News is not all hard times, it is a promise of eternal comfort for those who live their faith.
Our troubled world sometimes leads us to think that we must suffer in order to be good Christians. While Jesus said we would face difficulty, He didn’t say it would always be difficult. God is there for us when we face trials but He is also with us in our joy.
Paul writes that we must be ready to share the comfort God gives with everyone, especially “those who are in any affliction” (v. 4). God has gifted us with the ability to stand with those who suffer and it is our duty to be ready to support each other. The love of God calls us and enables us to comfort one another in difficult times.
Loving Lord, thank You for the gift of comfort, for ourselves and to share with all Your children. Bless us to be a blessing in Your creation. Amen.