July 31

But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus, — 2 Cor 7:6 BSB

No matter how much we experience Christ’s love, we all need human love too.

Paul lived very close to his Master. No one experienced more of Christ’s love than he did. Yet his letters often express a deep longing for human sympathy and the need for companionship. He shares here about the burden he felt in Macedonia. “Our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn.”

Then he tells of the blessing God sent him. “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” Titus was a dear friend, and his arrival gave Paul and his companions new strength.

We’re all like that—we need human love and support. This reminds us of one way we can help others. Everywhere around us are people who are discouraged, and we can lift them up with a kind word.

There is no ministry more meaningful than the ministry of encouragement.