09 02 08 THE AUTHENTICITY OF OUR FAITH

“Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we may be able to comfort those experiencing any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow toward us, so also our comfort through Christ overflows to you.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-6 NET)

Paul’s desire for the Church to be one is a major concern of his ministry. Here in 2 Corinthians, Paul continues to instruct the believers in Corinth to be in proper relationship with Christ and with one another. One way is to identify with the suffering of Christ with our life struggles and to in turn be in position to then comfort others, as Christ comforts us.

As believers, we no doubt all go through tribulation. God comforts us not only to bring relief, but to make us comforters as well. What we receive from God becomes a gift we give freely to others who suffer. Being more than willing to offer physical as well as spiritual hope mirrors THE AUTHENTICITY OF OUR FAITH.

Even though Christ suffered, He was always more than willing go offer a word of hope, an act of charity, or a sacrifice of service. Though it was not yet His time, He made new wine available at the wedding feast. He went out of His way to heal the sick and speak to the ignored and outcast. As He was being taken into custody in the Garden, He healed the soldiers wound. Even upon the cross, He found time to minister to the repentant sinner next to Him. He shared what He had and used what was available; some water, some fish, some bread, or just a word of hope and consolation.

Let’s not be so consumed with our troubles that we have no time, resources, or comfort to share. Sometimes it’s just a word: other times it takes great sacrifice to respond in faith. How we respond indicates THE AUTHENTICITY OF OUR FAITH. It reveals our intimate relationship with Christ and others see Him!