By: Undre Griggs, Jr.
Jehovah comforts all Christians whenever they find themselves in a difficult situation. Whether you are dealing with financial, personal, or professional (or a combination of them all) issues, know that God is there to comfort you.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): 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.
Like other gifts that God affords us, He expects us to follow His pattern when interacting with others. Scripture shows the manner in which we judge others, we will also be judged (Matthew 7:1-6). We also see the manner in which we forgive others, we will be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). Because God comforts us, He expects us to comfort others in their time of need. Just as with the gift of forgiveness, God gives so much to us that we should feel compelled to share that gift with others.
Romans 12:14-21 (NKJV): Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
You will notice in Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he did not qualify who Christians were supposed to comfort. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul reiterates in his letter to the church in Rome that Christians are expected to comfort everyone (even those who persecute them). Christians are commanded to never repay evil with evil, but to always repay evil with good. This task is too much for any person to endure on their own, but if you lean on God, you will find it easier than you think. A humble heart will remember Jesus Christ forgave and endured more for you than you will ever endure for others. A humble heart will also acknowledge you do not have the ability to provide as great of a benefit as God does. Christians can only forgive in the sense that they can show mercy to others when they are wronged. We do not have the ability to wipe away sins as the forgiveness of Jesus Christ does. In the end, our comfort requires much less effort and provides a much smaller benefit than God’s comfort. Therefore, remain humble and understand the gifts that God showers on you, you should shower on others in His name.
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