SHARED CONSOLATION

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NRSV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.

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[God] consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
- 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NRSV)
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I received a call this morning from a pastor friend. Sadly, a newborn in his congregation had died during emergency surgery. The newborn's parents are now in deep anguish and no longer want to be part of the church. The pastor confided to them that his son and daughter-in-law had suffered a similar loss. This personal connection allowed the pastor to minister to this young couple.

God understands our anguish when a child dies because God suffered when Jesus died on the cross. And the Bible teaches that those who have suffered and been comforted by God are empowered to help others through their difficult situations.

These painful experiences come not as punishment from God; rather, they are realities of life. When we seek God's comfort we will discover that God's peace surrounds us, making each day a bit easier as we cope with personal grief. With time, we may even see that our struggles assist us in our daily life to mature as believers.

Prayer: God of compassion, grant peace and comfort to those who suffer the loss of a loved one. Surround them with your loving presence. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
God's loving comfort can see us through difficult days.

-- Rogelio Nonini (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those mourning the death of a child