Every blessing that we are given as Christians we are to steward well and give away for the sake of others. This might seem a little extreme to you but think about it for a moment. The salvation which we have through Christ is meant to be shared with others. When God has blessed us materially He expects us to use those blessings to serve Him and others. Our spiritual gifts are meant to be used for the edification and growth of others. Even something as personal as the comfort we receive from God is meant to be used for the sake of others.
Yesterday we saw how God is our comfort in the face of terrible evil and suffering. Solomon turns his eyes and mind to the terrible oppression and suffering he sees in the world. Horrified he concludes that it would be better for man to never have been born. However, unlike the oppressed that Solomon writes about who have no comforter, we have God himself who comforts and strengthens us in the face of suffering. Through God and His comfort we find strength to go on and a reason to live.
But even this comfort is not meant to be hoarded for ourselves. Paul makes this clear in 2 Corinthians. Notice verse 3-4:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Paul makes it clear that the comfort that we receive from God is not meant to be something that is hoarded for our own benefit or advantage. Instead God gives us comfort in trouble so that we can comfort others when they are in trouble. God's blessings to us are meant to be given away.
How can you comfort others with the comfort that you have received from God through Christ?
We are all able to share the hope that we have through Christ with others. You have many opportunities every day to share the love of Christ with those who are suffering and grieving. How will you comfort them? This can include practical service, offering to pray for them (you might be surprised at how many people will appreciate it!) and to share Christ with them.
Also think about the specific troubles and suffering that you have had. Have you lost your job and had to deal with unemployment? How can you comfort those who have lost their jobs? Have you endured ridicule for your faith? How can you comfort those who are enduring ridicule for your faith? Have you suffered the loss of a family member? How can you comfort others who have lost a family member? The list could be endless.
Don't hoard this comfort that God gives to His people. Instead, share it with others!
Prayer: Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
- Praise God that He is your comfort and your strength in spite of all the terrible evil and suffering in the world. Pray that He would give you opportunities and the courage and passion to share Him and His comfort and strength with others. Pray that you would be able to share Him with those who are suffering and broken.
- Pray for all those in the church who are sick and suffering at the moment. Pray that they would find comfort in God. Pray that they would be filled with joy in Him, despite their circumstances. Pray that God would heal their bodies and restore them.
My Additional Prayer Points
Discussion Questions for families and groups
- Practically, what can you do to show the comfort that you have received from God to those around you?
- If you are comfortable share some specific situations in which you would be particularly able to share God's comfort. Practically how would you comfort someone in these situations?
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