A situation arose this week where I chose to draft a text message out of anger. From my point of view: The other person was wrong, they failed, they didn’t meet their own commitment, then they made excuses. After writing the message I had mixed feelings, some satisfaction and some darkness that came from guilt. While my angry response was clever and eloquently written, thankfully I chose not to press send. A few reasons which made this turn out positively:
- Like Jennifer mentioned in yesterday’s post, while I am prone to sin, I surround myself with good company. My wife said “you should not send that” and she was right.
- I felt the gentle tug and conviction of the Holy Spirit telling me “no”.
- It’s the frequent reading and studying of God’s word that feeds my soul. Today’s reading alone covers so much of who God is and how we should respond to life’s most challenging situations. One example:
7 Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. (2 Corinthians 2:7-8)
This time, and let’s get real, my “hate” message turned to a message of love, and who among us can say we regret giving love to anyone?
On this theme of feeing our souls, 2 Corinthians chapter 1 provides some wonderful education as to who God is and why we can and should trust him in all things. As I read and studied the chapter a few times seeking a theme to write about today, these attributes started jumping out at me. Name any other entity ever that does even one of these things perfectly, always. Impossible, but not with God!
- He is our Father, Jesus is Lord (v2)
- He is compassionate (v3)
- He is our comforter, the source of all comfort (v3)
- He comforts us so that we can comfort others. (v4) I love his plan and how he reveals himself to us with the intent that we are his “boots on the ground” to do his will in loving and comforting others.
- He is trustworthy,
- he raises the dead (v9)
- does what he says he will do (v19)
- He rescues us (v10)
- He listens and responds to prayers (v11)
- He gives grace and wisdom (v12)
- He is unwavering (v18-19)
- His promises are fulfilled (in Christ) (v20)
- He gives us courage and hope, enabling us to stand firm for Christ (v21)
- He commissioned us, anointing us (v21)
- He identifies us as his own through the Holy Spirit. We belong to him! (v22)
Challenge: Who comes to mind when you think about someone who needs comfort? Act now, even a few encouraging words make a huge difference!
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. (Ephesians 4:1-2)