Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT).
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Jesus promises we won’t be alone after He returns to the Father. In John 14:16 He says “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” Advocate can also mean Helper or Comforter, as it is rendered in other bible versions. All of these indicate God’s presence with us to guard and guide us.
Paul wants the Corinthians (and us) to understand how God’s love flows to us through His Spirit. With the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, the disciples are empowered to speak in the name of Jesus, sharing the Good News just as He did. We are now His representatives, called to spread the Gospel everywhere.
More than just a comfort to us, His Spirit with us allows us to share that love with the world. Paul writes “When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” This is the pattern Jesus taught: repent and reconnect with God, accept the blessing of His presence, and pass that love to everyone.
Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your presence with us always. Bless us to speak Your word with love to all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
