Jump Start # 439 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we are comforted by God.”

  Comfort—Paul sure liked that word in these verses, it is found five times in one sentence. There is a series of principles here. God comforted Paul so that Paul could others. The comfort Paul provided would be the same comfort he received from the Lord.

  Comfort—we like that word. We like that feeling. Comfortable beds– have you ever traveled and slept on an uncomfortable bed? There’s no greater feeling than getting home and into your own bed. Comfortable clothes—I love seeing little boys at weddings who are not used to wearing ties. You can tell they are miserable. They tug and pull and try every which way to get comfortable. Comfortable relationships—we call those friendships. The opposite is hostile and aggressive relationships that are tense. Comfort.

  Paul is addressing those who were afflicted. First, Paul had been afflicted. Later in this book he tells of a “thorn in the flesh.” He was the attack of many verbal assaults against his apostleship. It was brutal and nasty as most church fights can be. God comforted Paul. Now Paul was comforting others who were afflicted. He is comforting those who are hurting.

  Suffering, unfortunately comes in many flavors. You can often tell when someone is not feeling well physically—it shows in their eyes and in their face. They just want to lay down. Suffering also comes emotionally and spiritually. Those are often harder to detect in others. The pain can be as intense and destructive. We look at others and they seem fine, but they are not. They are hurting. There are things going on in the family, in the marriage, at work, in the finances that are not right. They are scared, worried, and fearful. They hurt.

  What they need is hope. They need answers. They need COMFORT. This is often the role that God causes upon us to fill. As Paul comforted others, we must do the same. God is counting on us to be His tool to help others. How do we do that? “I don’t know what to say?” is a common reaction.

  First, be there. There is nothing like presence. This is why we go to the funeral home. It’s to show that we care and that we are there for someone who needs comfort. Flowers are nice. Cards are good. But your presence is the best.

  Demonstrate your care. Do this by hugs, bringing food, giving an envelop with some money in it. You are putting your heart in action when you do this. I hate the expression, “If you need anything, just call me.” Let’s be honest, no one ever calls. They’d rather sit alone in a dark house crying than to bother you. That’s the way it is. Knowing this, we must take action and be there.

  Speak words of love and hope. Often a hurting person just wants some ears to hear their story. Don’t be quick to find solutions and fix things, let them talk. Sometimes they must vent. They may be critical of brethren who haven’t been much comfort. Sometimes they don’t understand why they are suffering. Let them talk. Others are just the opposite. They don’t want to talk about it at all. Don’t pressure them to talk about something they don’t want to talk about. Let them lead the conversation. You listen. You support. You guide.

  Don’t try to match their suffering with your story of your own suffering. They really don’t want to talk about you. They are hurting. It’s their pain that is the issue.

  Think of a passage to share with them. The Psalms are a treasure house  of verses to help the hurting.

  Always remember to pray with them. Make your prayer specific, short and filled with hope.

 The comforted Paul comforted others. You can do that too. God needs you to. Paul would say in the seventh chapter that God comforted him by the sending of Titus. Often people are looking for God to help them and the help is right there in us. There are folks needing you, even today. Think about what you can do for them. Be God’s tool and extend comfort!

Roger