4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:4-7)
Thoughts: One of the purposes of God's comforting us is that we may be able to help others, steering them to the God of all Comfort. Our comfort is not just so that we would be comfortable- that is not the greatest purpose in life. So our sufferings and distress are sometimes so we may be able to sympathize, empathize, and point to the One who can help each of us. It would be an interesting life if Christians did not suffer but the rest of the world did. Some think in this direction. They believe that when you become a Christian you are so blessed by God that nothing bad should happen to you. But, while God is able to help, comfort, and bless- God does not want us to always avoid suffering. Suffering can sharpen us like iron sharpening iron. Suffering can shut a door that would take us down the wrong path. Sometimes we can suffer so that others would be set free from suffering (Like Jesus on the cross or the old story of Peter and the dike). Sometimes suffering teaches us lessons and priorities- like burning off the dross from gold or silver. But sometimes suffering comes so that we can teach other people where comfort lies and how to patiently endure suffering. The incarnation is about God coming down to comfort us with salvation and hope.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the value in both suffering and comfort. Help me to point others to you the great Comforter.
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