Divine Comfort - Divine Purpose

By: Kim Garrett

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

...God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

First, we heard a loud crash, followed by a piercing scream. My grandson had pulled a large bin on himself while reaching for toys on a high shelf. My son and I jumped up and ran towards my grandson, but his daddy got there first. He assessed the scene and scooped up my grandson in his arms. Sobs of emotion came first, but no words were exchanged. After we decided he was OK, we all went back to the kitchen, and my son asked Everett to show him his boo-boos. In between sobs, Everett pointed to two barely noticeable scrapes on his arm. Eric's soothing voice helped Everett transition his sobs into a few gentle tears.

Then Everett began explaining what he was trying to do. While listening, his father never quit whispering words of comfort. His father's voice reassured Everett, quieted his fears, and softened his hurt. After Everett's tears stopped, Eric began to offer advice, suggesting a different way of reaching for toys in high places. Their conversation ended with a kiss on the forehead, and Everett ran off towards his toys in the bedroom.

That incident was a beautiful reminder of the heart of our Heavenly Father. God is the source of all comfort. Whether it's overwhelming sadness, uncontrollable tears, or out-of-control sobs, our Heavenly Father understands. He's right there with us, ready to wrap His loving arms around us. Yes, God is close to the brokenhearted. Yes, He is the God of all comfort. But God's divine comfort has another purpose, a divine purpose.

God comforts us so we can "pay it forward" and comfort others. In Romans, Paul reminds us to rejoice with those who rejoice, but he also says we should weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). When we comfort the hurting, we are putting into practice what we've learned from God (Galatians 6:2). When we come alongside someone who is struggling, we are mirroring Christ's love.

Christ is our best role model. If you're following Jesus and have been comforted by Him, use what you've learned to comfort someone else!

Read: Isaiah 40:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:11