Providing Comfort

As Christians, we have more examples of providing compassion, of giving loving comfort, than of any other ministry. I like how Paul puts it:

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 KJV)

“By the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Assuming, of course, that we allow God to provide the comfort we need. We know He has it available:

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 KJV)

It is difficult to live by the verse that follows …

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

… when we’re reading of death by another’s hand – the evidence of man’s inhumanity to man. Where is the virtue, where is the praise and how can there be comfort in such loss?

We’re back to our example, Jesus, given for a specific purpose to raise man’s humanity higher than we imagined.

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)

We do not need to reach the end of the race to find that comfort.  It is available now, given of God.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26 KJV)

How can we remember that which we have not experienced? Through someone’s teaching – just as we did while growing up. We need to learn. Paul had some good rhetorical questions:

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:14-15 KJV)

Some are called to provide a physical comfort, to share the comfort they have come to know and depend upon. To share the word of peace, glad tidings and very good things that come from God even in the midst of the evil alive and well in this world.