Two passages of Scripture…
2 Corinthians 5:17-18, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
Two men who understood…
Ananias. Saul had been killing Christians. Ananias was called to go to a murderer with a word of reconciliation.
Oneisphorus. Paul (Converted in above passage) was in prison. Feeling down, discouraged, and in need of help. Onesiphorus provided comfort at risk to himself by identifying with Paul who was a believer.
Two Lessons…
One plants (Steven), another waters (Ananias and Onesiphorus), God gives the increase (Reconciliation and comfort).
There are people around you and me that are hurting more than we will ever know. They need to be encouraged by God thru us. That is part of the reason God put YOU into their life!
Questions…
How are you involved in the ministry of reconciliation and/or comfort?
Who do you know in your life circle who needs comfort?
What will you do?