Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 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. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
In the New Living Translation mercy and love are implied in the word translated here as “comfort”, which Paul uses five times in just three verses. Jesus brought comfort to us that we might share it. We are to be a channel for God’s comfort to others, bringing His mercy and love to the world.
This may seem a difficult task. How do we know who needs God’s love and mercy? The easy answer is “everyone”, but as Jesus showed us it is necessary to go to the world in order to know people’s needs.
God wants His message shared so that everyone knows they are invited to receive His forgiveness. He calls us all to lay down our burden of sin and care through Christ’s sacrifice for us and know the joy of salvation. Then we too can be a source of comfort to others, bearing the Good News everywhere.
Merciful Lord, we don’t deserve Your comfort, but You love and care for us just the same. Bless us to be good stewards of Your gifts and bring comfort to Your children. Amen.
