Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort. — 2 Cor 1:4
No message of the Bible is more universally needed in this world than the message of comfort. Many we meet every day are in sorrow. They may wear no weeds of mourning, but not all sorrow hangs out its token.
Our lesson today is one of comfort.
First, we are reminded of God’s comfort – “who comforteth us in all our affliction.” He is called the “God of all comfort.” Then we are told that one reason He comforts us is, “that we may be able to comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” Part of our work in this world, therefore, is to be comforters of others. The comfort we get from God we are to pass on.
One reason we are called or permitted to suffer is that we may become comforters. This is one of the blessings of sorrow: we are prepared in it for being helpers of others.
We should be willing to suffer, that we may receive God’s comfort, and then go out to comfort others.