Comfort & Forgiveness

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 – All praises belong to the GOD and Father of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. For HE is the Father of tender mercy and the GOD of endless comfort. HE always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that GOD has poured out upon us. And just as we experience the abundance of CHRIST’s own sufferings, even more of GOD’s comfort will cascade upon us through our union with CHRIST. If troubles weigh us down, that just means that we will recieve even more comfort to pass on to you for your deliverance! For the comfort pouring into us empowers us to bring comfort to you. And with this comfort upholding you, you can endure (victoriously) the same suffering that we experience. Now our hope for you is unshakeable, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings you will also share in GOD’s comforting strength.

There is a suffering in our souls when we are feeling bad about ourselves or someone else. As i was reading 2 Corinthians this morning, i noticed that the second chapter referred to a “painful” or a “sorrowful” visit AND another letter (not 1 Corinthians) in which Paul describes his “anguish of heart”.

Someone in the Corinthian church was in need of rebuke. They were on a path that was hurting not just themselves but the whole church. This is a form of suffering. Verses 6-7 – I believe that your united rebuke has been punishment enough for him. Instead of more punishment, what he needs most is your encouragement through your gracious display of forgiveness. Now this one was in need of comfort. This was the heart of Paul’s letter from the beginning of 2 Corinthians – bring comfort through your forgiveness.

2 Corinthians 2:8 – I urge you to reaffirm your love for him.

Is there someone in your life who needs to be lifted from their suffering – who needs comfort through your forgiveness?

By the time we get to 2 Corinthians 5, we are encouraged by the way CHRIST has reconciled us to the Father through HIS own death and resurrection. For us, walking through sin is death. Being harmed by other’s sins is death. Whether sin comes through us or through others, it is a suffering.

Don’t forget the resurrection that comes after death. It reconciles us back to the Father! This makes us an entirely new person!

2 Corinthains 5:18-19 – And GOD has made all things new, and reconciled us to Himself, and has given us the ministry of reconciling others to GOD. In other words, GOD was in CHRIST reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and He has given to us the ministry of reconciliation!

Practice this ministry you have been entrusted with and choose to comfort someone today with your forgiveness.