2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
This term comfort comes from the Latin con and forte, which means to make strong together. Comfort is literally one person strengthening another. Don’t miss the source of our comfort, though, according to these verses—it’s God, our merciful Father. He calls us, His church, to love people well by offering the comfort we’ve received from Him to others. The opposite of fear isn’t faith, it’s love.
Respond in Prayer
Pause for a minute to think back on times when you have experienced God’s comfort in your life. Thank Him. Now ask Him who in your life could use that same comfort. Any time you start to feel anxiety or uncertainty today, put that energy, instead, into loving others really well. Pray for them, reach out to them. You’ll both be strengthened!
For Families with Kids at Home
Ask your kids: who should we reach out to today? Grandparents? Neighbors? Friends from school? Who can they check in on to give comfort and encouragement? As a family, choose 2-3 people you’re going to check in on and try to do it together.