Scripture: 2nd Thessalonians 2:16-17
Our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and a good hope. May he encourage your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do or say.
Thought for the Day: I love the language of eternal comfort. The word in the Greek that we translate as comfort is Paraklesis, which is related to another word from John’s Gospel: Parakletos. In John 14, Jesus promises a comforter or advocate who will come and abide with them once he is gone. Whether it is the image from John’s Gospel or the suggestion of God’s gift according to 2nd Thessalonians, it appear as if God does not wish for us to feel alone or disheartened. This comfort or comforting presence is not just some private cheerleader, but is one who intercedes on our behalf. This comforter is working to bring us into relationship with others. What does it mean to have one who seeks the best for us – someone who does whatever is possible to bring true joy and fullness of life to us? In this world of heartache, brokenness and suffering, it is good to have one who is on our side.
Prayer: O Spirit who works on our behalf, we are thankful and blessed because you continue to make a way for us to find strength in healthy and life-giving relationships. Amen.
NEXT SUNDAY
