Comfort

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

2 Corinthians 3-7

Paul is writing to the Corinthians in a time of turmoil. Christians are being persecuted, as they are being put to death or jailed because of their faith. Advances to spread the gospel to Asia has failed and has left many in disarray for the early Christians were going through a time of crisis where their lives are at stake. Paul encourages the church to comfort others just as they have been comforted by God. Verse 6 states that, if we are distressed, it is for our comfort and salvation. Comfort in latin means.. Com = With. Forte = Strength ~ so therefore "with strength" we endure the troubles of persecution. When we endure we share with Christ's the hardships he also endured. I believe salvation is a part of going through these trials solely because when we are struggling, we turn to God and chase after him. 

I can't remember the last time I've experienced persecution that caused me to fear for my life. I realize I have it good here in the states, the most I endure are dirty looks or a label of being a bigot for being a Christ follower. Even then this is very minor which I easily get over. Christ has called me to know his name and comfort those around me who are enduring religious persecution. When the "member of the body mourns, I too shall more". I haven't been doing that as of much lately, being too focused on the comforts of life. That meaning of "with strength" has completely when out the window in the western world. I associate comfort as the ability to be at a state of happiness or easiness where God never implied my life to be easy. When I'm not chasing God to be comforted, then I'm not in a place where I can depend on God for all things. He isn't the center of my life. Finally, I need to remember those around me.. whether it be comforting a homeless person, a friend or a brother or sister in Christ who's suffering real persecution.. I need to remember to lift them up in prayer.

Jesus help me to be more aware of those who are suffering. Use me to strengthen and give hope to those who are hopeless. Help me to pray and build them up. Ultimately is it you that changes, heals and restores their hearts. Just use me as your vessel. 

In Jesus Name
Amen