God comforts us so that we can comfort others in their trouble.
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV)
What does “All comfort” mean in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
Paul calls God the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. The comfort we receive is meant to flow onward to others.
Going deeper
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Paul writes this after a period of intense suffering. He does not deny the pain. He says that God was with him in it and that the comfort he received had a purpose beyond himself.
This gives our own hard seasons a possible meaning. What God has taught us in sorrow, illness, or loss can become a gift to someone else who is going through it. You may be the very person who can say, I know how this feels, and God was with me. Think about a trouble you have come through. Is there someone facing something similar? Reach out to them this week. Comfort you have received is meant to be passed on.
Reflect
What trouble have you come through that could help you comfort someone else?
Pray
Father of mercies, thank You for comforting me. Use what I have received to comfort others who are in trouble. In Jesus' name, amen.
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