2 Corinthians 1:4 tells us that God “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.”
This is both a pointed correction and a profound encouragement. It is a correction, because our tendency is to be a cul de sac for God’s kindness rather than a conduit. God’s comfort comes in, we are thankful for it, and that’s where it stops. But this verse tells us that the God of all comfort pours out his kindness on us so that we can receive it and share it. He blesses us so that we can bless other with his comfort.
That’s why this verse is such an encouragement too. Pause for a minute and consider why you need comfort. Because of something difficult or painful you;re experiencing. So the painful things in your life that lead you to depend on God for comfort are, therefore, the opportunities in your life to deeply encourage and help others! God intends good from the difficulties and evils you experience–good for you and good through you.
In this little verse we catch a glimpse of God’s sovereignty over everything, God’s compassionate heart, and God’s purpose for his people.
I originally wrote this post for my church, Immanuel Nashville, in our Daily Pulse email. If you want encouragement from God’s word delivered Monday thru Friday to your inbox, I encourage you to subscribe.
