“Pastor, the results came out positive. My wife has breast cancer.” When a congregation member broke this news to me one Sunday morning, I was speechless. What could I possibly say to comfort my friend in light of this bitter news? After a moment of silence, I quickly remembered the words that most comforted me when my own wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. And so with a level voice, I replied, “I want you to know that I’m here for both of you, no matter what.” He wore the same expression of gratitude that I had worn years before when a friend encouraged me with those identical words.
What a blessing it is to read in 2 Corinthians 1:3 that “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.” Most of us know this is true and have experienced this comfort firsthand. But that’s not the end of the story. What we often overlook is that after we receive the comfort of God, we are to pass that same comfort on to others who are suffering: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others” (2 Corinthians 1:4). The comfort of God isn’t the end of the process. We’re blessed by God so that we might be a blessing to others.
I have to admit that I often view the comfort of God selfishly—as a special gift that God grants to me so that I alone might be strengthened in the midst of hardship. But when I do this, I’m limiting the full power of God’s consolation. The comfort of God is so abundant and powerful that not only does it encourage me in my own time of need, but it also equips me to become a comforter to others. By God’s love and power, may we be comforters today.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 12:22-50
More:
Read Hebrews 4:14-16 to see how Jesus’ experience with suffering and temptation allows Him to help us when we face trials.
Next:
When was the last time you experienced the comfort of God from someone? Who in your life may need to be comforted in the same way?
Gary Shultz on July 8, 2017 at 5:43 am
Hi Peter: Of course the subject you bring up is not limited to health. Any area of life can come crashing in. God does use people at times to comfort, but no greater comfort comes, to me, than from the Father. Friends and family do add to the pulling of the Spirit; however, no peace or satisfaction is found like that from God Himself. Often times as not, unwise, inaccurate, and worn phrases are used by people, making an effort to resolve an issue they don’t grasp. Job seemed to get a good dose of that. When you find God in the situation nothing is more assuring, then a God who is big enough, wise enough, and strong enough to press through any situation for you. That brings lasting comfort to me. Once you have a person who has found God at the center of the crushing event, now you have someone who can be a guide to others there. Someone who can successfully point to the God of all comfort. Thanks Peter
don777 on July 8, 2017 at 7:23 am
Some times when there is news not good in what ever it would be, God never changes, He is patient and comforting, Loves us no matter what kind of emotional rollercoaster we go on. As a friend that is there with you, not necessarily saying anything, Just the presents of them being there sometimes listening to whatever is going on in our emotions & not necessarily correcting you because your emotions. That’s a friend, when someone see’s the fleshly yuck of you & still loves you & still is patient & kind even if your emotions are raw. That is the Love of Christ. Always remembering that emotions & feelings are not Truth. These are time that we are been purged of self. i must decrease That He will increase. To let go & let God. +>i
sandy229 on July 8, 2017 at 10:13 am
I have a friend with stage 4 breast cancer, and she is such a blessing and inspiration to everyone. God allows things like this to happen to us so that we may find the strength and peace that only He can give. I know I wouldn’t be able to help others if God had not shown me his grace and perfect Shalom peace that only He can give. I know that pain and trials are for our own good so that we will know how to comfort others when they need it. Sometimes just being with someone who needs us, and hearing them out without saying a word brings comfort to them. At times like this, they just need someone to listen. Thank you Peter for this lesson on comforting others as God gives us comfort and teaches us to love more.
purestrength on July 8, 2017 at 1:12 pm
Recently when I was side swiped by a life experience, several of my friends reminded me of my words of comfort to them when they were in a difficult place. I know that the Lord provided the words that came from me for their circumstances and He is now giving them back to me to reassure me that He is still in control. God is good.
kibbee on July 8, 2017 at 6:51 pm
It’s hard to pin point the very last time I experienced the comfort of God from someone….seems lately I’ve experienced the comfort of God from many different people….I’ve been involved in intensive life recovery for nearly three years…. I completely surrendered my life to God….He keeps putting loving, supportive people in my life….I have experienced the comfort of God from those people.
I’m exposed to a large number of people who need the comfort of God….I share my story and talk about the solutions I found when I turned my life over to God….sometimes I just listen.