The God of all comfort

There could be many reasons why you are not feeling good. Sometimes we ourselves don't understand why this is the case with us and other people (Christians)! There is certainly no such thing as imaginary suffering – and even if were to be the case, then you would still be suffering, even if it is your imagination. The sufferings of Christ were certainly not imaginary even if we don't always understand the exact meaning of it. The suffering of Christ contradicts all denial of the truth of the Gospel and the people who believe it. The world, the flesh, the lie, the adversary, the contradictors, the groundless hate, the fear and the faith without seeing are often huge burdens that we face. We are encouraged to bear this type of suffering (1 Corinthians 1:5). But, just as richly, we receive comfort from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Suffering and comfort is as part of Christ's followers as daily bread is. The Light shines in the darkness and the comfort is effective in misery! To comfort other Christians in their suffering, we need to know what we are talking about (1 Corinthians 1:4). Often we hurt and anger other sufferers, when we come with meaningless sayings and bleak slogans which are inappropriate for their situations. When we have suffered or are still suffering, we are able to give real advice, assistance, comfort and edification appropriate to their sufferings. Does this sound familiar? Even Jesus Christ did not escape this experience, but sought it, although He was and is the Son of God. Through this, we are able to ascertain, that God does not want to accompany, understand and love His creation “from above” in a negative manner. God came to us in Jesus Christ. Not in theory or with His finger on a map, but palpable, tangible, acceptable and directly – as the Gospel states!

The principle (guideline, maxim) of love, charity, mercy, compassion and the power of heavenly comfort should be made clear – and it was made clear! Only that which you have and are can be passed on to others authentically. Jesus is the Son of the living, almighty God. HE has given us remission of sins through the Gospel in His Name (John 2:16). This fact will and can cause every misery to be seen in a different light. To deepen the knowledge of the Gospel (immersing in grace), to understand God's ways with people better (also the suffering) and to mature in the inner man, we need God's Word. The misery in the world and also in our own lives cannot be argued away. One can also not “pray it away” or pretend it doesn't exist. However the comfort of God is as much a reality. King David was also aware of this and found comfort in misery – what do you find? It is more vital than ever that the (believing) person should not live from bread alone, but by every Word from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Without knowledge and teaching, doctrine and biblical understanding we also don't understand our suffering and don't know how to cope with it. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Jörg Bauer