SCRIPTURE: 2Corinthians (NIV) 7:5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
OBSERVATION: Paul arrived in Macedonia concerned about Titus. So, when Titus finally arrives, it is a comfort to Paul. Titus had come from Corinth and now Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He tells them of the comfort he received from the arrival of Titus, and of the comfort Titus had received from them.
Paul recognized that God is the source of all comfort. God’s comfort flows to us in various ways through all His servants. (2Corinthians 1:3) Comfort should be a hallmark of the church.
APPLICATION: It should not surprise us when we encounter people who need comfort. The “God of all comfort” has directed their path to us so that He can give them His comfort through us.
It should be noted above that the one in the passage above that needed comfort was the Apostle Paul. Often, we think of church leaders as the strong Christians that can comfort others. We do not think of them as needing comfort, or solace, or encouragement. If God could minister comfort to the Apostle Paus through Titus, perhaps He could minister comfort to your pastor through you!
PRAYER: Lord, focus my attention today on someone needing comfort or encouragement. Use me to say something, or do something, that will help renew their strength. Minister your encouragement through me to someone today. Amen
Pastor Leon
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