Day 10 (16 August 2018, Thursday)
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of Mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
What is “comfort”? The dictionary defines it as “consolation” or “a state of physical ease”, which is a kind of “gentle empathy” that strengthens the receivers.
People often base their feeling on their experiences. Thus, it is not easy to possess such kind of “gentle empathy”. It is an ability to comfort others when we have personally gone through the troubles ourselves with the comfort we received from the Holy Spirit. It is more than feeling and sharing the pains, but strengthening and encouraging each other because of the common experiences we have encountered. Therefore, there is a very positive element about the meaning of “affliction”.
Jesus is not spared from affliction. “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” It is indeed a source of strength helping us to overcome suffering, for there is hope amidst our affliction.
Who needs our comfort?
The dying: Provide an environment of rest and spirit cultivation for patients with terminal illness as well as for their families. Share the Gospel with them.
Migrant workers and refugees: Provide them with meeting places, learning centers, health care and shelters for refugee children. Teach their women at home to do craftwork, and ease them from feeling lost in a foreign land, so that they know God cares for them and He does not neglect them.
Disaster relief: Distribute goods and materials. Wash or rebuild houses. Instruct people with the knowledge of disaster prevention. Enter the interiors to assist with disaster relief (especially when the lives of Orang Asli are affected). Assist in fundraising, etc.
Pray for the Church of Penang & Perak
Living in the Covenantal Love of God
Isaiah 58:9-12…If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall rise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.
Be the Channels of Comfort & Strength
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Bible Reading:
Matthew 11 - 18 Judges 20– 21
SOURCES
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