Two key words stand out at me. They are 'comfort' and 'participation'. The first is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 while the second is from Philippians 2:1 ESV.
The first is blessing the
"Father of mercies and God of all comfort" (ESV).
In the second instance, if there is
"encouragment in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit" (Philippians 2:1).
Who or what comforts you? Is it your spouse, a friend, or a cat?
Cats can, surprisingly, be comforting creatures. I've experienced this myself even though I once did not like cats. They are too aloof, I thought.
That was, until God brought a litter of kittens to my doorstep. The mother cat had meowed for about three days until I finally gave in and gave her some milk. She lapped it up in jig time and then disappeared. And she got the last laugh at me because about 10 minutes later, suddenly there were five little kittens bequeathed to me and she was no where in sight. Nor did she reappear again in the following days. The nerve of her!
But those little kittens comforted my exceedingly lonely, homesick heart. The Lord knew what I needed in a place that was foreign and isolated from acquaintences. There was definitely comfort from God's love in stirring my heart with His care in this most unexpected manner.
And in this second letter to the Corinthians, Paul is reminding those in Corinth of Christ's love and God's comfort and their particiaption in the Spirit. But exactly, what is the meaning of that last phrase?
'Participation' in the ESV is translated as 'fellowship' in the KJV. The two work together. The taking part together in the Spirit gives us fellowship with one another. Sharing together in any particular activity, event or process creates that participation.
In this case, because of being 'in Christ' (Christians), each believer had the Holy Spirit indwelling them. Therefore, each one could participate in the Holy Spirit. Paul was asking them to help him and Timothy to comfort them by helping them in prayer together to fulful their mission and ministry.
"You also," Paul requested, "must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through prayers of many" (2 Corinthians 1:11 ESV).
They were their #1 prayer support group. This is essential for any missionary, pastor and any person in the Lord's work. We may not be that 'go-er' but we can be the 'send-er' in prayer (and financial support too if so desired and needed). We too, would participate in spreading the gospel of Jesus to the world in this way.
All praying together is participation in the Holy Spirit showing fellowship and collective dependance and humility before God. The follower of Jesus Christ can participate in the Holy Spirit in this manner and so be a blessing to all, especially those who need the prayer support. This brings much comfort, not from a litter of kittens, but from our great and almighty God and Father and His mercies that are new every moring (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Let's share in God's work by blessing those we know involved in His work through prayer and participation in the Holy Spirit and bring comfort to the hearts that need it most.
Let's do all for His glory and honor. To God be the glory! Amen.
~ ERC June 2026 ~
Based on 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, especially vs 3, 4, 7 and Philippians 2:1 & 2 ESV/KJV.
Sing, God of Comfort, along with Ellie Holcomb.
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