God Calls us to Pay His Comfort Forward

“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 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)
 



Hi friends,
 
     How are you?  Have you ever wondered why you are going through a difficult time?  Have you wondered what you did to deserve such a horrible time?  I pray that in these times, your discomfort turns to comfort, even if only through the words in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. 

     Sometimes the source of our discomfort is obvious.  For example, you touching a hot stove will result in a burn.  We know this.  We can understand it.  It doesn’t help the burn, but at least we know why the painful burn is there.  We did something not so smart and we are suffering the consequences.
 
     However, sometimes things happen and we are not sure why.  We are suffering with something and we are not sure the cause.  What did we do?  Why are we suffering?  Did we do something that wasn’t so smart?  Did we bring it on ourselves?  Did Satan do it to bring us down?  Is God punishing us? 

     At times, these things are good to ask, so that we can reflect on where we are at in our relationship with God.  There are lessons we can use from self-reflection and it seems like the lessons come the most through our mistakes and hardships. 

     Although, the “why of it” might not be the best question to ask or even the view to take.  Maybe we should be taking it as it comes and asking God for comfort and mercy.  More than that, maybe we should be noticing and acknowledging that comfort. 

     One of the reasons I like this passage so much is that it is so comforting and it shows the compassion and love of our Heavenly Father.  Now, that we have started wondering the reasons of why bad things happen and why we go through hardships, let’s look at 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

     Let’s look at 2 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV), “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort”.  We are called to praise God!  As Christians, we know that and do that anyway.  However, it is sometimes difficult to praise God during hard times.  We feel angry or hurt during hard times, instead of thankfulness and the willingness to praise God.  That is why I think we need to not focus on the hardship as much, but on God. 

     I think it is in “focusing on God more” that we will realize that God is our Heavenly Father, that He has mercy on us and comforts us.  I think it is then that we can start blessing Him and praising His name, even during hardship, or closely thereafter, as Paul did.  After all, this was written just after a time when he thought he would be killed and his daily condition probably wasn’t the best.

     After being reminded of some very wonderful titles and traits of our Heavenly Father and being called to bless Him, we are reminded of some reasons why we should bless our Heavenly Father.  Let’s now look at 2 Corinthians 1:4 (KJV), which says, “who comforteth us in all tribulation, that we may comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

     To me, two of those reasons that we might not know about for our hardship might be explained in 2 Corinthians 1:4.  Maybe one of the reasons that we have hardship is so that God can comfort us.  I don’t mean that God causes hardship, so that He can some in like a knight in shining armor to rescue use and feel good about himself.  It isn’t some sort of knight in shining armor syndrome.  When God comforts us, it is the real thing.  He comforts us as nobody else can. 

     God doesn’t want us to continue to suffer.  He wants us to seek Him.  We have seen this in Jesus’ personality and ways.  We read in scripture how Jesus was compassionate towards those whom he met.  We also see God’s compassion and mercy when Jesus says in John 16:7 (KJV), “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”  Like any loving father, our Heavenly Father, provides for us and comforts us.

     I mentioned that there are two reasons for our suffering that can be found in 2 Corinthians 1:4.  Again, I don’t mean that God causes suffering, just so that He can comfort us.  He may let it happen, so that we can benefit from His comfort and learn from the experience.  The second, to me, is that we suffer so that God can comfort us and that we then in turn can comfort others.  We are to testify of God’s kindness and comfort for us, so that others can be comforted as well.  We are also called to physically and emotionally comfort others, as God has comforted us.
 
     In a way, 2 Corinthians 1:4, shows us that we are called to “pay it forward”.  God comforts us, so we are called to comfort others.  Then, they can comfort others, as God comforted them through us, and on and on. 

     Of what verse does the “pay it forward” aspect of 2 Corinthians 1:4 remind you?  It reminds me of Matthew 6:12 (KJV), “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”.  Isn’t it wonderful that God gives us examples of the good things that we are do.  He treats us, as we are to treat others. 
 
Heavenly Father,
     Thank you for being our Heavenly Father.  Thank you for your love, mercy, and comfort.  Thank you for showing us more and more the love for us.  Help us to be thankful for the love, mercy, and comfort you provide.  Help us to remember it and “pay it forward” during times when others are in need.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective questions for 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (KJV):
*What does 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 mean to me?
*Do I praise and bless God in difficult times?
*Do I testify how God comforts me and has mercy on me?
*Do I “pay it forward” and comfort others?
*Of what other verses do 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 remind me?
*What message is God giving me through 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
*What can I do to better heed the words in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?

Note:
     Every once in a while, I like to remind you that I am not a biblical scholar.  I didn't go to seminary.  I am a Christian who loves our Heavenly Father.  I read the Bible to know Him and to know His ways and what I am called to do.  I encourage you to do the same.  A devotion, such as I offer in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, is a great starting place to get used to reading and thinking about God's Word.  It is also a wonderful place for more experienced Christians and Bible readers to read the thoughts of other Christians on Bible verses, and to offer thoughts of their own.

*If you want to read another post on comfort, you may also want to read this one. 

Now, it is your turn.
     I am so glad you are here.  I appreciate your kindness and support.  I pray you are blessed by the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and find value in it.  I always look forward to your comments, ideas, and suggestions.  I want to learn and grow in faith with you.  So, please feel free to comment below.  Also, if you are finding value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share it with others.  "Pay it forward."  Let others find value in it as well.  Thank you. 

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