You may not realize it, but there is a reason why your father always seems to be doing projects around your house on Saturdays and maybe even on other nights of the week. Yes, there is a list of things that constantly seem to need repaired, hung, cleaned, or built. 

If you think back, you can probably also remember him using a hammer for some of those projects. Face it … the hammer is a great tool! Where else can you find something that can produce some serious force when trying to pound that nail into that wood? When things go well, your father can use that hammer to do some serious work. I know. I am a father, with a seemingly endless list of projects. I actually have three hammers in my toolbox to help me get those tasks done. 

As good as it feels to complete those projects; there is always a reason to be careful. You see, one of my least favorite experiences in life is to accidentally hit my thumb while pounding a hammer. The instant that happens I feel the pain as the hammer misses its intended target and instead, smashes my thumb. The first part of me to respond is usually my eyes, which automatically looks at my injured thumb to assess the situation. Usually, the next action is from my opposite hand that quickly reaches out to grasp my hurting thumb. Then, my mouth usually cries out, “Ouch!” as it tries to help this crisis. All along, my brain is sending signals to my body, as seemingly every part of me sympathizes with my thumb.

All of this happens very quickly, literally in just a few seconds. Why?  Well, God created the body to be made up of different, yet very important parts that are also intended to act as one unit. Kind of like a choir or an orchestra which is made up of many parts and purposes, yet when added together, creates one beautiful musical experience.

As members of God’s creation and family, we also are made up of many different individuals with unique interests and abilities. By virtue of how life goes, there are many struggles that come our way from time to time. Each of us experiences sadness, pain, and loss. That’s when the rest of the “body of Christ” comes into play. God created us to notice and help lift each other up during difficult times, to reach out to those who are hurting, and help by comforting them.

And here lies the challenge. Are you looking for those around you who are going through a tough time? Do you make an effort to encourage and comfort them? If so, you are doing exactly what God intended. You are a part of the body of Christ that is fulfilling an important mission.

Hey, someday you will be hurting and will need to be on the receiving end of this comfort.  Then, you will see the real importance of comfort. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4  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 receive from God.