2 Corinthians 7:6,8
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy.
*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 3870
Comfort: console, encourage and strengthen, advocate
From the Greek word 'parakaleó' (pronounced par-ak-al-eh'-o).
God is 'up close and personal' with His people. He is not a faraway God, but the near God, the 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' God.
- Hebrews 13:5
- Deuteronomy 31:6,8
- Joshua 1:9.17
- Isaiah 41:10-14
God comforts His people when we are downcast (low in spirit, humble, meek). We are comforted by His presence, His nearness. And we are grateful that this is our God.
Paul was writing to the believers in Corinth who had supported him on his journeys; thanking them for their loyalty and their mission support to him. We need to remain faithful to our missionaries, too. They need us to express our love for them not only in our prayers, but in our giving.
Missionaries who are faithful in sharing the gospel receive comfort from God through us who impart love and mercy to them, as Titus did when God sent him to Paul. Titus had good things to say, words which encouraged Paul and compelled him to reach out to the little church.
Let us continue to work together, as the believers did in the beginning of the age of the church, to advance the kingdom of God with our witness and our testimony.
Give Me Faith by Elevation Worship
This Is Our God by Phil Wickham
Shepherd of My Soul by Rivers & Robots
Draw Me Close To You by Michael W. Smith
God With Us by MercyMe
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