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THE FATHER OF COMPASSION AND COMFORT - PART 2

TUESDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2023


From a perspective of bigger picture, the insight into Pauline epistolary expression of praise below, which is the product of double reasons, namely God's compassion and comfort, is our firm and visible foundation, as well as, the strength of our outward manifestation - in times of adversity, trouble, difficulty, misery of mishappenings and any challenging conditions. More below!


Reference 2 Corinthians 1:3 New International Version (NIV) "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort."


Compassion is the concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. It is the empathic understanding and sensitivity towards the misery of another, while comfort is the state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. For the word, comfort, the synonyms are consolation, solace, condolence, succour, relief and reassurance.


The former (compassion) has to do with mercifulness while the latter quite corresponds to the immediate and overpowering impressions by which a victim of any negative outcome is granted a succour of reassurance and rest of mind following their relief from anxiety or distress. This implies that both terms are conformable with healing properties which serve as a good antidote to stress and unfavourable experiences and more so, they cover all things pertaining human origins of affliction.


Some of the people we meet occasionally or even on a regular basis have faced conditions that are extremely dreadful, or have been experiencing long seasonal timescales of affliction. This is why it is important that, with utmost sensitivity, we pay attention to the words we express, while communicating with such people - for a number of reasons. To that effect, Colossians 4:6 reads, "Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone" (NLT).


Arm yourself with the most impactful tool - your power of speech, and express it generously while engaging in conversations with all kinds of people. When you respond to people with kind words, you'll definitely leave them with a notable impact, full of enduring power of healing memories, long after you are gone. Yes, scripturally, we've been given a choice of how to be gracious with words, and with that responsibility comes mastery, when applied appropriately over time.


God's compassion is the oldest image in existence. The image has a name above all names. Colossians 1:15 revealed the image. And it reads, "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation" (NLT). This visible image is now seated at the right hand of God interceding for us compassionately. The image is a place of solace; an atmosphere of restoration; and the centre of new beginnings and new life.


You can take comfort in the truth that beyond a shadow of doubt, He cares for you more than anyone else in this present world. He said to the saints, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NLT). Personally, the longer I live and exist in Christ, the more I understand what true compassion and comfort are all about, which the world seems to be lacking in a great measure because it is out of joint.


Christ is not just full of compassion, He is our confident comforter, and His comfort is symbolic of complete energy, warmth and assurance of the Spirit, and the end result is joy and peace that overtake and envelope you internally and externally in the midst of troubles, discomfort and adversity. Due to the limited capacity of this article, in conclusion, be strong in the Lord [always draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. Stay tuned for part 3. Shalom!


Scripture Reading - Zachariah 7:9; Luke 6:36; Romans 8:37-38; Hebrews 4:15.


Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, your compassion and comfort are a medicine to my soul, accompanied by fullness of joy. They add depth to the richness of my Christian faith, and they are a vital source of my motivation and wholeness inspired by your Spirit, in Jesus' Name, Amen.





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