Shared Suffering and Comfort

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.  For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.  If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.  Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

– 1 Corinthians 1:3-7 (ESV)

I love these encouraging words from Paul as he starts his letter to the church in Corinth.  He does not deny the existence of affliction.  I’m sure each of us can attest to the fact that following Christ does not grant a “free pass” on troubles in our life.  Yet, he also holds the truth of comfort.  Not just any comfort, but God’s comfort.  Yes, we will share abundantly in Christ’s suffering, but we also share in his comfort.  A comfort that has no bounds and no end.  Be encouraged by these words of truth today.


 

Take a few minutes to consider your current troubles in life.  Sit with them and present them to God.  Now, sit and let God comfort you in your troubles.  Close your time by thanking him for his hearing you and providing his comfort in the midst of the circumstances that weigh you down.

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