Consolation - console
During my daily reading I was fascinated by 2 Corinthians 1, what can be learned in half the chapter: negative as well as positive. First the negative experiences.
| Negative experiences | Verses |
|---|---|
| 5x Tribulation | 4,6+8 |
| 3x Suffer | 6+7 |
| 1x despairing of life | 8 |
| Positive experiences | Verses |
|---|---|
| 1x Grace | 2 |
| 1x Praise God | 3 |
| 1x Compassion | 3 |
| 11x Consolation, comfort, be comforted, Unhurt |
3-7 |
| 1x Hope | 7+10 |
| 1x Trust in God | 9 |
| 1x Help through intercession | 11 |
| 1x Many people thank God |
11 |
I would like to go into 2 Corinthians 1 verses 3-7 (ESV) in more detail.
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.
1. Consolation - to comfort
These are concepts associated with the human experience of pain, suffering and loss. They describe an attempt to support a person in difficult situations. Consolation is the relief of mental pain or grief.
Comfort can be conveyed through words or mere presence. Often comfort comes from the feeling that you are not alone. A hug or simply listening can be a big help. Sometimes the quiet presence is enough to provide comfort.
In summary:
Comfort is a feeling of relief from suffering, bringing that feeling to someone else. It shows human connection and compassion.
The world we live in has become very unsafe. Unexpected disasters, new diseases, terrorist attacks, economic downturns, wars, etc.
2. Jesus' words comfort
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:26-27 (ESV)
3. The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is with us in all circumstances of life
- helps us when we are tempted
- helps us when we have to make decisions
- teaches us the truth
- gives us strength for everyday life.
No matter what comes, we can handle it because the Father stands by us, the Son walks with us and the Holy Spirit lives in us! And the Word of God is our daily help in everything!
Author: Egon Waechter
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