Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
As discussed in yesterday's introduction to this book we know it was written by Paul to explain why he had not yet revisited the community after promising to do so. Paul opens his letter with a peculiar greeting, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction" . Here's the point. He knew he was addressing people who were, at least, disappointed with him and probably angry. After all, Paul had promised to return and hadn't...yet. So, Paul set the tone that defines the idea of "comfort" as something that only comes from Christ and...is offered only so we may pass it on to others.
We have heard the term "creature comforts". It refers to the many little things we attach to our lives to make them more enjoyable (air conditioning in our cars). We all prefer a "comfortable" life. I suspect life is most naturally uncomfortable and that is a source of frustration which is why we pursue "creature comforts' to begin with.
What I learn from Paul, here, is that my pursuit of comfort cannot be constrained to this world. If my comfort level is to be determined by how others treat me I will be severely disappointed. The questions here are simple: Who has disappointed us today? Are we willing to recognize their lives may be filled with turmoil and they could use a little comfort? Are we prepared to comfort them?
Live boldly out there today?
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