Message from Scripture: 12/10/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is 2 Cor. 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

 

What a special passage this is to us, knowing that God comforts us through all the trials and troubles life brings with it. We too can share this comfort with each other, to be doubly encouraged and not give up.

 

It is interesting the term Paul uses for comfort is παρακαλέω, which literally means to ask to come and be present where the speaker is, to call to one’s side. God is always available when we need His help and support, to come by our side, so to speak, and offer us needed help. This is why Paul encouraged those in Thessalonica to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17), and Jesus told us keep on asking, seeking, and knocking (Matt. 7:7). God is always near to help those who trust in Him.

 

We should also be there for each other as well, as God can work His good in and through us for each other’s benefit. Paul told the church in Corinth, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for you” (2 Cor. 12:15). In a very real and personable way, we can share with each other, and help each other, through the most difficult of times. It is not a matter of just seeking help from others, but being there to help ourselves, as children of God and followers of Christ should be to others. It’s a matter of love, isn’t it, by which the world will know we truly belong to our Lord (John 13:35).

 

Today, let’s remember our God is always by our side, and so we should be for each other as well. It’s one way we can help fix broken lives, by allowing the love of Christ to be seen at work in us. God bless.

 

Robert