Affliction and Comfort
July 19
In 2 Corinthians 1, we see several words repeated multiple times. Normally, the presence of repeated words and phrases gives us clues to what is most important in the passage.
The word comfort appears ten times. In the Christian Standard Bible, Afflict appears four times. Suffer appears five times. Trouble appears once. Burden appears once. And Despair occurs twice. It’s safe to say that in this chapter, Paul has a lot to say about difficulties in the Christian life and how God comforts us during those difficulties.
Ultimately, the reason we experience hardships, difficulties, and afflictions is because of sin. Because of the treasonous act by our first parents, the entire world is affected by sin. But one day, all of creation will see the return of Jesus Christ. All sickness, all difficulty, and every hardship will be made right by the One Who created everything – everything that was subjected to the curse of the Fall by Adam and Eve.
Given Scripture passages like this, it’s difficult to understand how Christians can buy into the Prosperity Gospel. Obviously, they aren’t reading the entire Bible! Or they aren’t reading it in its context. That’s why it’s important to read different parts of the Bible. We need the whole counsel of God. And we need to read it. Thanks for reading along with us through the New Testament this year!
Application
Not only does God provide comfort to us directly, He also uses other believers to bring comfort to us. (2 Corinthians 1:4–7) For instance, a couple who has suffered a miscarriage can offer special comfort that no one else can. That’s the kind of thing that only those who have experienced it can offer the comfort that the suffering couple desperately needs. And this is only one example.
Sometimes we experience hardships and suffer in ways that few other people can understand. As believers, it’s important that we not hide these hardships and suffering. If you’re suffering, it probably isn’t your fault. And even if it is, God can redeem those things if we will let him.
Let God comfort you directly, and through a few other believers. If you’re suffering or going through difficulties, let your church know, discreetly if necessary. There’s no need to feel ashamed.
And if you have not experienced what someone else is experiencing, please be careful. Sometimes, in our effort to extend comfort, our words can wound the one experiencing the pain. Don’t extend platitudes like, “It’ll be ok. I know exactly how you feel.” Right then is not the time to say those things, even if you have experienced similar sufferings. Let those who have been there and done that minister comfort to them.