Jesus Comforts
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (KJV) 3 Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 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. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ
Every morning, as I finish my prayers, the soothing sound of my brewer fills the air, and the rich aroma of fresh coffee envelops the room. It's amazing how that alone awakens my mind, but it's the warmth of the coffee mug in my hands and the delicious taste that truly comforts me as I start my day. It's like being wrapped in a fluffy blanket on a chilly morning, an embrace of comfort that brings to mind the warm, loving presence of Jesus Christ.
It makes me wonder, would I appreciate this comfort as much if I hadn't experienced unpleasantness? The contrast between the grogginess of awakening and the cozy comfort of the coffee, or the cold morning air and the warmth of the blanket, mirrors the hardships and struggles we face in life. It's through these challenges that we come to fully appreciate and understand the comfort that Jesus offers us.
Looking back at some of the trials I've endured, there were moments when I couldn't see a way out. But now, in retrospect, I see how God's comfort carried me through those tough times. Those experiences strengthened my faith, straightened my path, and increased my reliance on Him. He offers us comfort always; all we need to do is open our hearts to receive His love and encouragement. He's ever-present, assuring us of His nearness and demonstrating His care and affection.
The comforts of Jesus aren't just evident in our lives; they are also beautifully depicted in Scripture through His compassion, promises, forgiveness, and constant presence. And as His followers, we are called to reflect His character by extending comfort to others, just as He did during His earthly ministry and continues to do so now.
In 2 Corinthians 1:6 (LSB), Paul reminds us that our afflictions can lead to comfort and salvation for others, and likewise, when we are comforted, it can strengthen others in their own struggles. Comfort, then, becomes not just a remedy for our troubles but a way of building a loving and supportive community, where we come alongside one another, helping each other endure life's trials, and showing the world the nature of our compassionate Savior.
So, let's embrace the comforting presence of Jesus every day, just like the warmth of that morning coffee and the embrace of a cozy blanket. And in turn, let's extend that same comfort and love to our fellow believers, creating a community of compassion and support that reflects the heart of our Savior.
SCRIPTURE READING.
2 Corinthians 7:6,7, John 14:18,26, Psalm 23:4, John 14:3,28
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. How do you experience comfort in your daily life, and how does it remind you of the comfort of Jesus Christ?
2. Can you think of a specific moment in your life when you experienced God's comfort during a difficult time? How did that experience strengthen your faith?
3. Reflect on some of your past trials and hardships. In what ways can you now see God's comfort and presence during those challenging times?
4. In what ways can you be more intentional about receiving and embracing the comfort that Jesus offers you on a daily basis?
5. How can you demonstrate the compassion and comfort of Jesus to others in your community and beyond, just as He did during His earthly ministry?
6. Take some time to explore Scripture and identify passages that depict the various comforts of Jesus, such as His compassion, promises, forgiveness, and constant presence. How do these passages resonate with your own experiences?
7. Are there any specific areas in your life where you struggle to find comfort or rely on God's comfort? How can you surrender those areas to Him and allow His love to bring you comfort?
8. Reflect on the idea that comfort is not just a remedy for troubles but a way of building a supportive and loving community. How can you actively contribute to creating a community that offers comfort and support to others in their times of need?
