I have thought a lot about suffering and why God allows it. Some answers are well know: maturing, developing endurance, earning rewards, being a witness to those around us.

But, this morning the Spirit showed me another reason. 2 Cor. 1:3,4 which says: “Praise be to...the God of all comfort…who comforts us in ALL our troubles, SO THAT we can comfort those in ANY TROUBLE with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

There it is! If we didn’t ever suffer we could never comfort those who do. Our suffering is the vehicle to equip us. We don’t have to suffer the same as everyone, but the comfort God gives us is adequate to pass on to others no matter their suffering.

But, there is a condition for being a “comfort receiver and a comfort giver.” We must trust God in the midst of our suffering, taking up His grace by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving. We can do this because we know that He has a plan

As it says in Hebrews 12:15, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.’ To fall short means you don’t take up God’s grace, but instead become angry and bitter, spreading this poison to all the  people around you.

But, if we remember this one purpose for suffering--to receive and pass on comfort--it will help us decide to take up God’s grace by offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Picture from Jesus Film: Jesus comforts all His children