2 Corinthians 1:4says the Father of all mercies and God of all comfort, “who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Continuing Pastor Shawn’s message on “comfort”, the 1775 Christmas Carol says: “God rest you, merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas-day To save poor souls from Satan's power, which long time had gone astray. And it is tidings of comfort and joy.” The second point of this classic holiday song is that we need to expand our “comfort zone” to take what we have been given by the Lord in order to comfort others in need around us. We all discover our Christian calling in life when we step out of our “comfort zone” (that familiar and comfortable space around us which we live and minister the love of Christ).
God has a plan of Salvation for sinners through Jesus Christ and is ever-present in their life. Jesus has a plan of redemption and forgiveness by His atoning death on the cross to those who repent, believe and accept the free gift of eternal life, and the “good Shepherd” tends to His flock daily. The Holy Spirit has a plan of regeneration of our spirit and reconciliation of our soul, indwelling the Believer’s heart and guiding their steps along life’s path. God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) have purpose in the plan. The Divine plan has present and eternal meaning; tidings of comfort and joy are the natural consequences. But, God’s comforts us, so that we can be a comforter of others in need also.
With a Christ-centered “helping hand” spirit, we need to caringly anticipate a true “need” in others that they may not even know that they have. When we do not see the “fruit of the spirit” (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, patience) flowing in the life of others, it is an indication of need in their life. A godly friend is a blessing, when they be a part of someone’s life-changing journey. Do not be a part of a “masking plan”, but minister to the root-cause source by stepping into the pain for a difference and making authentic caring moment as a child of God and a member of the body of Christ.
May our life be changed (transformed and filled daily by the Holy Spirit), so that we can be “difference-making peacemakers” in the lives of others in our sphere of influence. Experience the comfort and joy of the Lord. You are known, loved and cared about, so choose His comfort and be a comforter in a tangible way in this world. You can be a thing of hope.
In Christ, Brian
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