Paul begins his second letter to the Corinthians reminding them of the comfort that God provides. In 2 Corinthians 1:3 Paul states that God is the "God of all comfort".
Blessed is 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 trouble, so that we can comfort those in any trouble by the comfort through which we ourselves have been comforted by God. As the suffering of Christ increase in us, so our comfort increases through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
As we are challenged in this life and persecuted by those who do not love God and his people we will find comfort. Our God will provide comfort. The word of God comforts us as well because His promises provide a great hope that we rest in full assurance of faith. Moreover, as we see our fellow brethern challenge there are times that we should provide comfort to them as well. Some challenges may be individual and we provide comfort to those face an individual challenge. Some challenges may be more collective and we may be participating in the same challenge and at that time providing comfort that are in this same journey with us. The comfort that God has provided and continues to provide will allow us to "comfort those in any trouble by the comfort through which we ourselves have been comforted by God".
As we will our lives we should seek to have the same confidence that Paul noted in 2 Corinthians 2:12 -- "The testimony of our conscience, that in single-hearted devotion and in godly sincerity, not in human wisdom but in God's grace, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and more especially toward you." We should each seek to be as Paul and make sure that live in a way that shows that God's word is alive in us. We should each seek to live in such a way that the world sees Christ living is us. If we put Christ first in everything and seek to live a life that displays a Christian example, a life that is concerned about how what we say and what we do will impact the lives around us our example will be one that will challenge others to consider if they are living as God would have them live.
If you are feeling challenged today. If you have suffered persecution for Christ. Take comfort from God! If you see a brother or sister in Christ suffering comfort them with the same comfort God has provided to you! Choose today to be courageous and live in confidence seeking to be a light in this world by being a shining example in word in your actions.
These words and thoughts cause me to think of the words in a song - "May my whole life sing to you". Our thoughts and actions should bring glory to God and in bringing glory to God we should be drawing the world to Christ. As Christians our example will either bring others to Christ and build others up or it will turn them away and tear them down. Keep this thought ever present and as you are in the world think about how others may be influenced by you. Keep this thought ever present as you are with your brothers and sisters in Christ and think about how you can be an encouragement to them and to each other as we all seek to bring glory to God and seek to serve Him.
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