2 Corinthians 1:1-14
Be Still: Lord, be with me as I open your Word today. Help me to understand what you’re saying to me afresh and anew. Amen
Read: 2 Corinthians 1:1-14
'Praise to be 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 receive from God.' (vv 4-5)
Encounter: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by other people’s needs at times - especially when we’re already carrying the weight of our own stresses, worries, and responsibilities. When someone approaches us in distress, need, or simply with yet another request, our natural human response can often be, 'I’ve got enough on my plate already – sorry, no.' Maybe we’re too busy. Maybe we’ve grown numb. Or maybe this is the 13th time they’ve come to us with the same issue, and nothing seems to have changed.
I’ve found these verses from 2 Corinthians 1:5 to be such a powerful reminder to me. The fact that God ‘comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God!’ In simple terms, I feel that what Paul is saying here is – ‘YOU ARE NOT THE SOURCE!’
In verse 4, God is described as the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. He is the origin, the teacher, and the supplier of these qualities. He doesn’t ask us to muster up these attributes and then give out endlessly to others. Instead, he fills us – so that from that place of being comforted, healed, and understood by him, we can extend that same compassion to others.
It’s not about trying harder. It’s about staying closer to the One who is compassion. The more we are filled by him, the greater capacity we will have to give out to those around us.
Apply: Where in your life are you feeling empty, stretched, or lacking compassion for others? Are there specific people or situations where it feels hard to respond with patience or care? This week, invite him into those places. As you receive his compassion, ask him to show you how to extend that to someone else.
Devote: Lord, thank you for your comfort and compassion. Help me to receive from you and, from that place of overflow, let me extend comfort and compassion to those around me.