Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NLT
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
Have you ever felt like you were all alone? That somehow you missed a memo somewhere and everyone else was clued into how to get through marriage or parenting – or relationships in general, and you are just faking your way through when everyone else seems to know exactly what to do? That you are ready to give up – because “peopling” is too hard and costs too much? Well, you aren’t alone. I think we all feel that way at one point or another. Today’s verse reminds me that Jesus had to navigate this life too. He had to deal with pushy relatives, gossip, and betrayal so he knows all too well the emotions and frustrations of daily life. The good news is that He is merciful and doesn’t leave us here to just suffer alone, but offers us comfort and peace as we seek Him in our relationships. He even goes one step further, knowing that at times our humanness can benefit from a personal touch, so he gives us people to share the journey with. Those who will hold us up in prayer, share how God has moved in their lives, and encourage us to keep on going. What a blessing that is to us! And what a blessing that can be for others if we can turn that Love we receive from God inside out and share it with the people around us.
