Coming to our current appointment meant moving about 100 miles away from friends and family, but we felt that it was part of God’s plan. In spite of the distance we remain in contact, of course, with our relatives, but also with those who have been our friends for years. The separation has done nothing to diminish or weaken our connection. We still keep in touch and we are still as involved with the lives of those we love as much as we can.
Such an emotional connection is nothing new. In his second letter to the church at Corinth Paul explains the connection the believers share.
What causes distress for the believers outside of Corinth? What brings comfort? What confidence is shared?
The connection Paul describes may at first seem a bit confused and complex. In fact it is quite simple. Fellow Christian believers – those not in Corinth – may feel distress because they want the faithful in Corinth to be comforted. The believers are fretting over the well-being of the Corinthian church.
The believers can receive comfort when they know that the people in the church of Corinth have felt that reassurance of God’s presence in their suffering and struggles. Ultimately, all Christian believers face the same challenges, the trials and struggles of the world and of a tested faith. But all Christians also will share in the same comfort, the comfort of knowing God is with them.
We are little different from the First Century church, or the church from any time or place. We all face struggles and hardship, but we are all part of one family of God. We should take comfort in knowing that our Lord and Savior understands and sympathizes with all we have to go through.
DAILY CHALLENGE: Share comfort and encouragement with someone you know who is struggling.
No comments:
Post a Comment