2 Corinthians 1:3-7
New International Version (NIV)
Praise to the God of All Comfort
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.
7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
Paul wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
How much Leo imitated our Lord! The woman taken in the act of adultery (John 8:1-9), the tree-climbing tax cheat (Luke 19:1-6) — Jesus loved them all. He was available to all, and all approached him. He was never ashamed of bad company but rather encouraged sinners to come. He worked in their lives and helped them to be transformed. It was my pleasure to have known Brother Leo, but my greater pleasure is to know the One after whom Leo patterned his life.
Paul wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NRSV)
It was my pleasure to have known Brother Leo, a rescue mission manager. Leo was the most approachable man I have ever known. He genuinely loved outcasts. He routinely put his arms around the alcoholic’s shoulders, pleading with him to surrender his life to Christ. He evoked laughter from guys who had so little to be happy about. He wept with others over their shared heartaches. These men recognized that Leo cared, and many responded when he witnessed to his faith.
Dear Lord, strip us of the temptation to be judgmental. Kindle in us the desire to reflect Jesus to everyone we meet. Amen.
Prayer focus Rescue-mission workers
