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 may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

1) What does it mean for God to “comfort us in all our affliction”?
Pain and suffering are a reality, and no other New Testament writer experienced that as much, or to the same degree as Paul. Take a glance at chapter 11:24-28 for a detailed list.  Paul’s response to his affliction is clear – any suffering he endured served to link him to Jesus all the more (v. 5).  He goes on to say in verse 9 that his pain served, “…to make us rely not our ourselves but on God…”. Paul’s difficulties were real, but so was God.  Not only that, all of Paul’s trials built up his hope and trust in God’s ability to deliver him (v. 10).  Paul’s identification with Christ, his reliance on God, and his hope in deliverance brought him comfort throughout his tribulations.

2) What does it look like to comfort others with the comfort we receive from God?
A closer reading of verses 5-7 is the perfect definition of empathy; Paul understands and shares in the sufferings of the church.  He has experienced God’s deliverance and believes God’s people will see that same result.  Paul gives encouragement to the members of the church to patiently endure any suffering that comes their way.  He even asks them in verse 11 to support him through the comfort and blessing of their prayers.  Later in his letter, Paul also references the comfort he experienced through the presence of Titus during a particularly difficult time (7:5-7) as he shared about the work of God amongst the church members of Corinth.

3) What is the connection between comfort and worship?
Read verse 3 again with all of Paul’s suffering in mind.  In the face of his reality, his words FIRST overflow with thanksgiving and praise.  The same man who endured much hardship, acknowledged God as the “Father of mercies.”  In his deliverance, hope, and comfort, Paul acknowledges the I AM for his unique ability to provide all that he needs.  Paul takes no credit for himself, but instead praises God for the depth of his mercy, love and deliverance.

1) What does it mean for God to “comfort us in all our affliction”?
Just as Paul’s pain and suffering were real, each of us experiences the tangible results of living in a fallen world.  To know God’s comfort requires that we first become acquainted with affliction.  In those moments –  or perhaps days, seasons, years – we can allow the pain to define us, or we can open ourselves to be comforted by our God, who is in control of every moment.  God promises in his Word to comfort us through hope of deliverance (Psalm 71:21), through restoration (Isaiah 51:3), through the power of His Scripture (Psalm 119:49-56), and through the presence of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31).  What situation do you need to turn over to God, allowing him to be the source of comfort in your pain?  What practical step do you need to take to put your focus more fully on him?

2) What does it look like to comfort others with the comfort we receive from God?
Empathy.  Encouragement.  Prayer.  Presence.  We can easily offer those same gifts of comfort that Paul mentions to those who need it.  First, we have to pay attention to those around us who are suffering.  Some will share their pain, asking for help.  Others will suffer quietly.  We must give attention to both.  Then, when God gives us the discernment to see those who are in need of comfort, we must move in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Not every offer of comfort is helpful and we must wisely ascertain what is needed – a listening ear that can understand the pain?  A word of scripture to push someone through the moment?  Lifting someone up to the Father diligently in prayer when words are difficult to come by?  Giving our time and focus in person?  Take action, but do so with wisdom.

3) What is the connection between comfort and worship?
In the face of your own challenges, do you turn to worship and praise of the Father of mercy?  Or do you lean toward garnering attention for the suffering you must endure?  We all would like to claim the former, but I fear we are much more adept at the latter – I know I am guilty.  Deep sighs to gain attention, veiled social media posts that beg for a response from others, cryptic comments meant to pique interest in our plight…we are masters of manipulation.  Yet our call is to turn to the One who offers us what no one else can.  How do you most need to turn your attention from your own suffering to worship?  What would that look like practically in your own life?  Confess to God any tendencies you may have to look for attention for yourself, rather than turning to Him and bringing praise to His name.

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