2 Corinthians 1:4 - A Comforting God

2 Corinthians 1:4

“He (God) 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.” (NLT)

Two of the letters Paul writes to the people of the church in Corinth are recorded in the New Testament.  The letter recorded in 2 Corinthians starts out with the encouraging words quoted above.  Followers of Christ were being persecuted and Paul reminds them of God’s presence and His provision of strength and comfort during times of struggle.

“For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ.  Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation!  For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you.  Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.  We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.” (2 Corinthians 1:5-7)

This is reassuring scripture; to know God pours His comfort into our lives even when we’re staggering under the burden of our troubles.

I’m certain however, that telling someone who’s at the end of their rope their troubles are for their "comfort and salvation" isn’t going to win you any awards in the, “Most Comforting Friend” category.   That’s not what you need to hear in the middle of your crisis!

So what do we take away from this scripture?  God never leaves us to struggle through our burdens ourselves.  He provides us with strength, surrounds us with friends, and sees us through our trials.  Only after we've emerged from the river of sorrow and pain, are we able to turn around and see the times God threw us a life preserver to keep us afloat.

Once we’ve won our battles we’re able to join others who are waging similar wars in their lives.  We remember the pain we experienced and can offer empathy.  We understand their hardships and can provide insight and greatly needed support and assistance.

Let’s write 1 Corinthians 1:4 on our hearts this week so we never forget God is our comfort and we are His hands and feet in comforting others.

Memory Verse:

“He (God) 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.” (NLT)  2 Corinthians 1:4