Although I have read the verse below many times, it spoke louder to me today. Our own comfort is very important to us. We treat ourselves well. We have units to heat or cool our homes so we are not too cold or hot. We have that same luxury in a car. We like our furniture to be comfortable and luxurious. We have dishwashers and robot vacuums and automatic coffee makers to do our work for us. Some of us have drivers or nannies or housecleaners. Nothing is inherently wrong with any of those, BUT can we be more RIGHT in how we use these things?
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV
Our ultimate soul comfort comes from God. In affliction, He sends strength for the journey. In confusion, He sends light. In ill health, He sends healing or peace. In distress, He abides with us and helps us navigate our way. He applies any comfort He has to us. He is the “Father of Mercies.” Don’t you love that description of Him?
We think we deserve comfort because we work hard and want to enjoy the fruits of our labor. I do not disagree, but I do think there is more to this life than MY comfort. God comforts us, not just because He has lots to give, but because He cannot help but give. It is in His character. He loves us and wants to give us what we need. That is who He is and He cannot change.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV
How can we apply that verse to who we are and what we have? 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 above says that God comforts us so that we can comfort others with His comfort. If God allows us to be successful or comfortable, I do believe He expects us to share that comfort with others. even those who did nothing to deserve it. We did nothing to deserve God’s comfort, after all, except we asked for it.
I hope I am not stepping on anyone’s toes any harder than I am stepping on my own. I honestly believe that we are supposed to share whatever we have with those that need it, because comfort is meant to be shared. If we have to get a little uncomfortable giving away things we can use, because someone else needs them more, then it is a blessing that we can do so. It IS better to give than receive.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35 ESV
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)
Dear God,
Thank You for this reminder this morning that we are meant to share the comfort You give or allow us in this life. Help our hearts to see that we are striving, not just for ourselves, but for others’ comfort. This is an uncomfortable way of thinking, but we know You can help us sort it out to Your glory. We want to reflect Your character and what better way than to give to others out of the blessings You have allowed us. Help us, help me to be okay with being “uncomfortable” if I do nothing. We want to represent You in this world, so please guide our hearts and desires to act out of what we see in Your character. We love You so much! Amen
Love and prayers to all. Have a great Thursday!
Just me. Just His.
Tina
Glory in the Morning 