For even when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn—fighting without and fear within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more. ESVUK

Yesterday, I commented that God comforts people. This is a marvellous truth.

But we also find, as we go further into our passage, that God comforts people by using people.

God comforts people by using the words of people:

”…he told us…”, writes Paul. The words of Titus on this occasion were a great help and encouragement to the troubled apostle. (‘Take my lips and let them be, filled with messages from thee’).

Furthermore, God comforts people by using the presence of people:

 ”But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus…” The presence of Titus made a difference. Sometimes, we may just need to go and be with a brother or sister in need – even if it involves miles of travel. We may not have the answers to all (or any!) of their questions, but our presence will speak volumes. Remember, Job’s comforters started out well:

 When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. 12 When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads. 13 Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. Job 2:11-13.

Sadly, it was when they opened their mouths that they undid their good work!!

Thankfully, Titus was both a bringer and speaker of encouragement.

PRAYER: Enable me, Lord, to be an encourager of others, both by my presence and my words