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.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/2co.1.3-4.NLT

What comes to mind when you think of living in comfort? Sunshine, warmth, good health, family, friends, and adequate resources are a few words that come to mind for me.

Paul uses the word “comfort” in a very different way. In short, comfort is God’s response to suffering. God is our “merciful Father” and the “source of all comfort.” Recognizing God as the source of all comfort releases us into His amazing care.

God comforts us in all of our troubles.

Paul is writing of something he knows about and has experienced. “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety”. 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 NLT

We are asked to comfort others in their troubles.

What we have to offer is the same comfort God has given us in response to the suffering we have endured. There is something powerful when someone comes alongside you in a hard time, and extends comfort (not answers) in response to your suffering. Presence, prayer, encouragement, grace, and humility are qualities of God that show up in the life of a comforter. Real comfort keeps one focused on what is true about God and life.

Reflection

Hardship and suffering are part of life in a broken world. While it may vary in its severity from person to person, no one escapes this.

Comfort is God’s response to suffering. He is the source comfort. His comfort lives through our suffering to help us endure and help others by providing comfort.

Encouragement

Perhaps it’s time to stop measuring the quality of life by the absence of suffering. Consider looking at life by the measure of comfort God gives so that we can endure through challenging times, and, in turn, be a comfort to others, reflecting how amazing God is.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for Your merciful comfort in a world that inflicts hardship and suffering. Thank You for being the source of comfort. Holy Spirit, thank You for Your real time presence in our lives, offering comfort by Your very presence. Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice that gives us a new relationship with God, through You. Ultimate suffering was Your journey Jesus. Unlimited comfort for everyone who believes is Your gift. May we be people who comfort others from the source of comfort.

In Jesus name, Amen.

-Ed McDowell, CEO
Warm Beach Camp Ministries