DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT

"Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted of God." (II Corinthians 1:3-4)

The tone of this second letter to the church at Corinth is entirely different than the first letter. The first letter was correction and instruction about issues that were in the Church that needed to be fixed. This letter is one of comfort and encouragement. There is very little correction, but there is much edification.

It is is apparent from this letter that the Church at Corinth had accepted his rebukes and had corrected the issues. With all of their problems, they were open to receive instruction from the Apostle. The Apostle indicates several times in this letter that he very much wants to come to them in person to minister to them. But he did not want to come to them with the sorrow or heaviness that he had in the first letter. Now, after hearing reports of their response to his corrections, he was looking forward to comforting and encouraging them in person.

This begs the question: How do I accept rebuke and correction? I'll admit that I don't receive criticism very well. My pride takes over and I think, "Who are you to tell me what to do?" My flesh responds back with anger or at the very least rejection of the criticism. I just don't like reprimands.

God often corrects me through the Word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Who convicts of sin (John 15:8). Jesus called Him the Paraclete – One who comes alongside to help us (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7 KJV). In our focus verse, the word translated "comfort" is paraklesis which means exhortation, admonition, comfort and encouragement. He does not just come to beat us down with our failures but to encourage and lift us up. Even when we blow it, God, the Holy Spirit, is there to instruct and comfort us. He is the God of all comfort.

The Church at Corinth was growing in the Christian walk, and were open to the Apostle's instruction. My walk with Jesus would probably be much better if I would listen to advice and constructive criticism. My prayer is that God would help me to grow in this area.

Love, Dad