“For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.”
2 Corinthians 1:5
A basic theological rule is that if something is repeated, we are meant to pay attention. For example, when Jesus repeats the word “peace” in John 14:27, we ought to stop and take note of what He’s saying—He came to give us peace!
How much more, then, when we read the word “comfort” repeatedly in one sentence. “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 have received from God” (vv. 3-4). In the opening five verses (3-7) of Paul’s letter, he uses the word comfort nine times!
It reminds me of a lullaby, one I surely could have sung to our children when they were babies. I picture a mother calming a child afflicted with an injury or loss, the child’s breath slowing to match the mother’s until they are united in comfort.
You can bring your troubles to your Father. Cry until He settles you and calms you, until you have traded your pain for His comfort.
How much more, then, when we read the word “comfort” repeatedly in one sentence. “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 have received from God” (vv. 3-4). In the opening five verses (3-7) of Paul’s letter, he uses the word comfort nine times!
It reminds me of a lullaby, one I surely could have sung to our children when they were babies. I picture a mother calming a child afflicted with an injury or loss, the child’s breath slowing to match the mother’s until they are united in comfort.
You can bring your troubles to your Father. Cry until He settles you and calms you, until you have traded your pain for His comfort.
Scripture Focus
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Insight
FAVORITE LONG BIBLE VERSE by Lindsey Roberts, wife of Army Chaplain Stephen Roberts and a past Anchor writer herself. She also has lent her expertise in various writing assignments for Haven Ministries throughout the last several years.
Bible In A Year
- Deuteronomy 5-6
- Psalm 82
- Acts 3-4