Comfort

2 Corinthians 1:3-6 

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 our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

The Word of the Lord is living! This scripture is one example of that fact. I have understood this scripture in different ways at different points in my life. Neither is wrong, but both give comfort.

One way to look at it is that when we suffer, sometimes it is so we can better help someone else who goes through the same suffering. When we receive comfort, it is so we can share that same comfort to others who need it. In this way, we help one another in this world.

Another way to look at the scripture is that when a brother or sister in Christ is suffering, we can step along side them and join in their suffering; thereby, we reduce their burden. When they need comfort, we join together to comfort; thereby, we increase their comfort.

In either interpretation, we are to be there for one another, help one another, and encourage one another.