Words of Encouragement
October - 23 - 2005
We are comforted because we are heartbroken. We are comforted because we need a blessing. We are comforted because God loves us. We are comforted to comfort others. While each of the above statements is true, the last is the most crucial one. There is something about comfort that cannot be fully realized until it is shared with someone else. It is that final step in the healing process of grief, disappointment, hurt, and loss. Until we share the comfort we have received, until we pass it on to another, our comfort is weak and shallow and limited. Comfort, pass it on!
Let us see what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 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.Let us pray.
O LORD, God of heaven and earth, Creator of the universe, thank you for knowing our hearts, caring about our concerns, and comforting us when we are wounded. Help us to share your grace, mercy, and comfort with someone else today.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.