Comfort

II Corinthians 7:

 … we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

Here, this writer is expressing the worst of the worst – being hit from all sides – and reacting in fear.  Isn’t that the worst?  Not only were circumstances bad, but every path he tried to take was difficult, and he was afraid. 

However, the one who “comforts the downcast” sent someone to lift up this downcast man.

The one who came to him (Titus) had been comforted and therefore was able to offer comfort.  He conveyed love, care, and the empathy of others for this man in need.

And the downcast man’s reaction was one of great joy.

The best kind of comfort a friend can give is to share the comfort they have received.  We don’t need a pointing finger, or advice, or even a list of scriptures, when we’re being harassed.

The love and care of a friend who understands when to be quiet and listen, when to offer a hug, or when to just love us and let us be,starts the healing process of comfort.

And once we have been comforted, the joy returns, greater than it was when it left.

Pretty cool…