3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

4 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.

5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.

7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

— 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,

2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

— Philippians 2:1-3

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, salvation and joy from Jesus Christ to you.

As God’s children, our ability to understand and comfort others in pain demonstrates tangible fruit borne from our suffering. Hurting people need our presence, our listening ears, and our practical help more than our words. People in pain sometimes question God and His love. Do not feel like we must supply answers that belong only to God. Let’s learn to ask God to help us develop sensitivity and compassion for the hurts of others. Mourn with the who are mourning; sharing the weight of grief and pain provides comfort. Let’s learn to pray simple prayers that acknowledge others’ pains, recognize God’s grace and power and communicate hope. If we love people well, as God intended, Christ’s light shines into dark places, providing help and hope.

The people of the world observe God’s people. The love and unity within the body of Christ draws hurting people to come forward to the Savior, to the throne of grace that they may receive mercy and find grace for timely help like us. We, God’s children, are the very body of Christ in this hurting world. As God’s people and the body of Christ, we can offer to others the love and strength of Jesus Himself.