Comforted So We Can Comfort
Today’s scripture selection: Second Corinthians 1-3
Key verse: Second Corinthians 1:3-4
Most people like to be “comfortable.” In fact, I think Americans are famous for loving their recliners, T.V. Trays, and home delivery pizza – all the “comforts” of home.
But the scripture reminds us of something very important about “comfort.” It is something that, by the grace of a loving God, we receive. And, just as important, it is something, in the name of a loving God, we give to others.
We are comforted so that we can become comforters.
It’s a simple concept – but it’s one we too often forget.
So often our world tells us that the key to happiness is to be comfortable. We work hard at obtaining a certain level of economic security – if not downright wealth – for ourselves. We work equally hard at making sure our home is comfy; our workplace at least “bearable”; and our seats at the big game or concert – we want the best ones.
But, in a society where so many survive with far less than this – and some, sadly, with none of even their most basic needs met – well, our calling is surely very clear.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.”
That should be a hymn we sing regularly and fully.
And more than that, it should be a rallying cry to call us to action. Don’t worry – for most of us – the recliner; the T.V. tray; and the pizza will be there when you need them. Why not invite someone over to enjoy the “comforts” of home with you?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your sustaining love. Help me to share it freely with others I meet who are in desperate need of it. AMEN.
By Paul Simrell
The Reverend Paul W. Simrell has served for over thirty years in a variety of congregational and institutional settings. He is a recognized minister with standing in the Virginia region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada and is nationally endorsed by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for specialized ministry in both pastoral counseling and chaplaincy. Ordained in 1982, he has served congregations in Kentucky, Texas, Florida, and Virginia. He currently serves as the pastor of Elpis Christian Church, a small, historic congregation located just a few miles west of Richmond, Virginia. Elpis is the Greek word meaning “expectant hope.” He also serves on the associate clinical staff of the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care, Richmond, Virginia, both as a pastoral counselor and a ministerial assessment specialist, specializing in executive, clergy and relationship coaching. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and Lexington Theological Seminary and has done advanced clinical training in chaplaincy and pastoral counseling at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, Children’s Medical Center and Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas and the Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care in Richmond, Virginia. He is a Certified Pastoral Counselor, an ACPE Practitioner, and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is a Certified Facilitator of the Prepare-Enrich relationship assessment and skills-building program and served as a volunteer chaplain for over twenty years with the CJW Medical Center campuses in Richmond, Virginia. His avocational interests include playing the piano and drawing. He is very happily married to his wife Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell, a free-lance writer, who is also a Certified Facilitator for the Prepare-Enrich program.
Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
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