Any: A Little Word with Big Impact

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and 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 have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

If you ever feel little or insignificant, take heart. Little things have a way of being real game-changers at times. For example, some of the littlest and seemingly least important words in scripture can impact our lives in giant ways.

In the past, we’ve looked at how the words us and let were used in two different verses. We discovered what a huge difference they made in expanding our understanding and application of those particular verses.

Today let’s focus on the word any in the scripture above.As the apostle Paul teaches how we can offer comfort to others because of the comfort God has given us, he opens wide our comfort-giving door.

We are not restricted to giving comfort to only those who are going through the same trials we ourselves have endured. No, God tells us through these words of Paul that “we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”(emphasis mine)

Who can we comfort? That’s right—those in anytrouble.

And there you have it. Our little word with big impact. Any. No barriers, no restrictions. Wide open ministry doors.

The next time we start to hold back from comforting someone because we feel inadequate, because we’ve never experienced her kind of trouble or grief, let’s remember that we have the very comfort of God to offer our hurting friend. Let’s remember the word anyand walk through the door before us. It’s wide open.

“For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:5

*What are some ways you like to comfort others?

*Flickr photo by Andreía

Comments

  1. A little word, often overlooked. So often when I read this passage, I stay focused on ministering to those who have gone through similar difficulties. You’re right . . . we can give comfort at any time to any one out of the comfort we have known. Amen!!!

    How do I give comfort? Well, one way is sending note cards to others. It’s a small expression of care, but I love receiving this kind of encouragement in the mail . . . instead of a bill!

    peace~elaine

  2. Hmmm! That’s a neat way to look at the word in that verse, Cheryl. I like that.

    Thanks,
    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

  3. Thanks, ladies. Elaine, I agree about sending notes. Such a blessing to receive something we can actually hold in our hands in this day and age of online communication.

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