II Corinthians 1

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. (II Corinthians 1:3-5 ff). Read the whole chapter

What is Says...
According to this passage, the reason we are comforted amidst our troubles is so that we can comfort others in their troubles. That word is empathy. If you see someone suffering in a way that you have, seek to encourage them in the way that you were encouraged. Not all of us can always relate to people in their situations, but we all have had troubles and received comfort in different ways. Therefore, let it overflow into others' lives. This destroys the me-centered mindset that is so easy to have while we suffer, and refocuses our attention on others.

What it Means...
Paul uses the contrast of receiving comfort when we receive sufferings (verse 5). He makes this interesting point- both come from Christ. What did Christ suffer? He was despised, rejected, abandoned, misunderstood, and of course, physically suffering through his crucifixion. What comfort did He receive? Among other things, I see two ways that Jesus was ultimately comforted. First, Jesus was affirmed by His Father. I think the greatest goal of the Christ-follower is to receive this statement from God: "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter in to the joy of your master." Even Jesus was affirmed by His Father, twice - at His baptism (Matt. 3:17) and the transfiguration (Matt. 17:5). When we suffer, it is imperative that we receive this affirmation, that we know we are heading in the right direction- this is fuel for perseverance and endurance (verse 6). Second, Jesus was honored above all. "God exalted Jesus to the highest place, and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:9-11).

Application...
Look to see where we are suffering and ask God to comfort us and affirm us. But don't stop there- look to see where others are suffering and seek to comfort them. Let our comfort overflow and cover other's troubles; affirm and honor them.