Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. -2 Corinthian 13:11 ESV
παρακαλέω. This is the Greek word that is transliterated parakaleó and rendered here as comfort. It is associated with paraclete - the word that Jesus used to describe the role of the Holy Spirit. It reminds me that comfort is rarely accomplished apart from walking with another. And as we walk, we speak and we do. We become God's voice.
It strikes me how this verse marries comfort with restoration, agreement, peace and love. In truth peace and restoration never comes aparts from parakaleó. Such aspirations are beyond our grasp if we do not seek to comfort those we seek to restore. In truth love will always inspire us to comfort and encourage. Such is the nature of the Holy Paraclete.
Fill us Lord with the Holy Spirit of comfort that we might be those who comfort.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
yes, I want to comfort others
ReplyDeleteMe too Denise.
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