The fundamentals of divine comfort

“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 tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” This Bible text from 2 Corinthians 1: 3–4 is what the Chief Apostle based his sermon on in Berlin-Lichtenberg on 14 February 2016. Including the 70 congregations that received a video broadcast of the service there were more than 8,100 participants.

The Comforter and Helper is always on call

This much is clear: “As New Apostolic Christians, we are not better or worse off than other people,” the Chief Apostle said. “We are human, have to deal with illness, death, and injustice.” And maybe even a bit more, because in the face of all of this we still try to remain faithful to God. And this is really a battle sometimes, he said.

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you,” is a promise given by the Lord. “God always comforts us through the Holy Spirit.” The Comforter and Helper does not force Himself upon us. “He comes when we call Him.”

God’s agenda on comfort

Chief Apostle Schneider developed a three-stage agenda of divine comfort in his sermon: “The first aspect of comfort is the alleviation of pain.”

• Through love: “God has not forgotten you. He loves you as much as He loves His Son Jesus when He was on earth.”
• Through hope: “Things will not remain as they are. They will change soon.”
• Through God’s presence: “Through many small signs and experiences you realize and feel just how close God is to you.”

“This is the second aspect: God strengthens us through His Holy Spirit.”

• “He shows us how we should pray.”
• “In every divine service the Holy Spirit gives us strength from God through Holy Communion.”
• “Every time God permits a test, He gives us an assignment. He tells us, ‘I want you to be a blessing and an example for your neighbour.’”

“And then we come to the third aspect. God’s comfort is also redemption.”

• God grants His grace: “If you have made a mistake, don’t worry about it. Everything is fine again.”
• Jesus gained the victory over evil: “The work of redemption is already in progress—and the lion’s share of it is already done.”
• The promise for the future: “The great redemption is still ahead of us: the day we will enter God’s kingdom, where He will wipe away all tears.”

Prepared to comfort others

“What God does for us we are asked to do for our neighbour,” the Chief Apostle said, and gave some practical guidance along the lines of his agenda.

Alleviating pain

• Refrain from judgement and accusation: “The dumb response, ‘It’s your own fault,’ has never helped anyone.”
• Show empathy: “Let us take time to listen.”
• Inject new hope: “Don’t worry, things will change. The Lord will change your situation.”

Providing help and strength

• Intercede: “The first thing we can do to help is to pray for the neighbour.”
• Be a testimony: “We can simply talk about the help we have received from God.”
• Express your admiration: “You know, you are a real example for me. I admire how you manage all of this.”

Contributing to redemption :

• Work on your own redemption: “The more I overcome the evil in my heart, the less I am a stumbling block for my neighbour.”
• Fight evil with good: “If something happens then let us simply do more good to balance things out again. The good must outweigh the evil.”
• Pray for the return of Christ: “Let us not become tired, but continue to pray for the Lord to come soon.”

“The Holy Spirit comforts us,” the Chief Apostle said in conclusion. “He alleviates pain, helps and strengthens us, and redeems us. And He expects us to do the same thing for our neighbour. I think this is a wonderful agenda.”