Monday, November 1, 2010

a new understanding of an old promise

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

Comfort = Parakaleo (Greek): to call to one's side, summon, address, speak to, admonish, exhort, console, encourage, strengthen, beg, entreat, instruct, teach

What if comfort was not what we westerners consider comfortable? What if instead of a state of ease and satisfaction, relief, and freedom from pain, the kind of comfort promised to us was encouragement and strength to endure the suffering we will certainly face? It is a summon, an invitation and call to draw closer to God.

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