Comfort #3—Fully Comforted

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17

Good works and words should feel comfortable on us, like a favorite old shirt or pair of shoes. Here’s why: The Father has already given us eternal comfort by uniting us to Jesus in his death and resurrection. When we felt hopeless because we couldn’t see the possibility of any good in our future, he changed our future. So in the age to come, nothing will ever again bother us; no threat to our joy will even appear on the horizon. Reposed and relaxed, we will rest in the Father’s loving care and anticipate kindnesses that flow from the surpassing riches of his grace toward us while we serve one another in fellowship with Christ. Now, in view of the eternal comfort we will experience in the age to come, we can expect the Lord to provide comfort to us here and now. He does this as we speak and work for the good of others in this age. We need this as we work, because doing good is often difficult. The presence and power of God assure us that his goodness is flowing through us, and will truly be significant for someone else. Having this comforting experience will greatly increase our willingness to enjoy the grace we have received and to extend it beyond ourselves.

Gracious God, help me to delight so much in the comfort and hope you provide, that I am uncomfortable unless I am bringing your comforting goodness to others in all that I say and do in Jesus’ name. Amen