COMFORTED IN ORDER TO COMFORT OTHERS

PROCLAMATION

“Praise be to The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of compassion and The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Corinth.  Most Bible scholars believe that The Bible Book Second Corinthians is actually the fourth of four letters which Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth.  After beginning by identifying himself and stating that Timothy was with him, Paul offers praise to The God of all comfort.  He states that they had received comfort during their troubles.  He said that God comforted them so that they would know how to comfort others during their troubles. 

 

APPLICATION

God is The God of compassion and comfort.  He comforts us during our troubles so that we can learn how to comfort others in their troubles.  When we have experienced one kind of affliction or tribulation and been comforted, we are able to comfort others who experience similar trouble.  We have to learn how to be a comfort and a blessing to others.  We have to learn what to do, what to say, and how to say it.  Sometimes, we just need to be there and be quiet.  After we have received comfort, it is easier for us to offer it to others as we do with blessings.  We should praise God for what He has done for us when we needed Him, and for what He has allowed us to do for others.