“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3,4 NIV).
This reminder from Paul shores up my belief that all blesses from God to us are to be used to be blessing to others.
Any wisdom received from God should be used with and for others, not just selves.
Financial blessings received from God through whoever or whatever the source He chooses to release them, should be used to be a blessing for others.
The mercy God shows us, we should extend to us–knowing that He didn’t have to show mercy, but His love towards us–resulted in us receiving mercy and we should extend the same mercy towards others.
When God comforts us–in the wee hours of the night, sitting by the bed of a loved one who is ill or dying, we have received the tools we need to comfort others–compassion, patience, endurance and a heart of flesh–not stone.
With all of the turmoil swirling around us today–impending wars, terminal illnesses, rebellious spirits, economic uncertainty, and the loss of loved ones–receive the comfort of the Lord and be ready to comfort others, just as He comforts us–without faultfinding, finger-pointing, reciprocal expectations or anything other than–love. What He does for us–we should willingly do for others when the need arises.
Pray for one another at all times. Be ready to provide a shoulder for others to use (not for pity parties) in a time of need. Be ready to have a listening ear and a word of encouragement.
Remember that God works through people for the benefit of people. Listen, hear, and obey.
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to hear and do all You ask of us so that others may see You in all we do.
maryhallrayford 