Consolation

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. – 2 Corinthians 1.5-7

Paul says here that our sufferings have a specific reason. It is one of the reasons why we go through trials that we may face on a regular basis. The reason is that when we know comfort we are better able to comfort others.

Paul passes on the comforting that we received from the Holy Spirit to the Corinthians. We talks about a kind of mutual comforting that ought to be a part of our Christian relationships.

That means that there is nothing wrong with being in need of comfort. We comfort when we, like the Holy Spirit, come alongside someone who needs comfort. I grew up in a tactile home and tend to be a tactile person. Not too long ago I was feeling a little down at church and someone noticed. ‘Do you need a hug’ my friend asked. My reply ‘a hug ALWAYS helps.’

We have a Great Comforter, but we can all be little comforters. Though people like me like a comforting hug, we can accomplish just by being there to offer and encouraging others. A kind you, a small gift, a simply gesture, a encouraging text, and uplifting post on Facebook can all be our ways to be that comforter.