The Comforter

“Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;” (2Corinthians 7:6)

How many times have we been comforted by a friend or acquaintance in times of sorrow?  Paul in this Scripture acknowledges that the comfort although coming from Titus is God initiated. He is the One who comforts. One of God’s attributes is Comforter. “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;” (John 14:16) It’s through the Holy Spirit that we receive comfort from God. In times of unrest, sorrow, disappointment and grief, the Holy Spirit indwelling can embrace us with encouragement and strength to continue with purpose and determination, peace and help to carry on, to continue and to push through and keep on living for His glory.

He is the God of all comfort. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” (2Corinthians 1:3) What kind of comfort do you need? God has the comfort you need. He has comfort for all, any and every kind needed. We are comforted so that we can also comfort others. “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (2Corinthians 1:4)

Not only does the Lord comfort the hurts and wounds in our soul, but He has given us an eternal comfort and hope. “Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” (2Thessalonians 2:16-17) Life doesn’t only consist in and of this world, but there is another world, beyond here, that is eternal and everlasting with our Lord where there is no more disappointment, sorrow or hurt. It’s the hope He’s given us through His grace, undeserved favor through Jesus. This comfort gives us the strength in spirit, soul and body to do what needs to be done in spite of obstacles and hinderances to the word and work of God.  Moreover, we are able to comfort those who are struggling in the same way to accomplish God’s Will and to bring Him glory in “every good word and work.”

Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to comfort them in their faith. Paul and Silas had escaped Thessalonica by night (Acts 17:10) for preaching Jesus and had not been able to establish the Thessalonian believers. The preaching of Jesus had caused such a stir in the city that his return would be dangerous. Before they had escaped, the Thessalonians had already taken Jason with whom they had been staying. So, Paul sends Timothy because he was concerned that the trials and tribulations the believers were suffering might cause them to renounce their faith. “And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” (1Thessalonians 3:2-3) Paul offers his example. “For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.” (1Thessalonians 3:4) 

Here is another point.  Can we be comforted to know we’re appointed to suffer for the faith? Will anyone come to Jesus if they know they will suffer?  The answer is yes because it has happened and continues to happen. The witness of the Holy Spirit to our spirit is so sure that we know without any doubt the reality of the hope we are given of salvation and life everlasting. It is sufficient to suffer for Jesus. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:” (Romans 8:15-16)

We are not only comforted but rejoice because these tribulations work in us to make us more like Jesus. “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:” (Romans 5:3-4) Our suffering for Jesus identifies us with Him in His suffering. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified.” (1Peter 4:13-14) And His comfort is enough for the degree of suffering. “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.” (2Corinthians 1:5)