TCM Devotion: The God of All Comfort

Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 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. 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.”

Devotion:
Some synonyms for harmony (the theme for this month) are concord, unity, peace, and friendship. During times of troubles and challenges, comforting or being comforted by our friends, family, and even strangers is a blessed time for harmonious relationships to form. When there is comfort, there is unity, peace, and stronger connections because there is a sense of compassion, empathy, and hope. Your heart understands, your heart breaks, your heart wants to give others hope for a brighter outcome and future. Thankfully, we receive an even greater comfort that is full, compassionate, peaceful, and hopeful from our Father who knows us best. God promises to comfort and guide us through times of darkness, which leads to patience and endurance. When we suffer, we learn to be patient and to endure together to keep one another accountable, constantly edifying and sharpening each other for God’s Kingdom. It brings unity to work together for the good purpose and will of God; Jesus tells us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Let’s carry each other’s burdens so that we fulfill the law of Christ!

Thought:
Think of one incident where God comforted you. How did He comfort you? Did you receive it with hope and joy and want to give that same comfort to your family, friends, or even strangers? Did that build a stronger relationship and bring you more unity?