The second purpose of our suffering is so that, having been comforted of our pain by our God we are able to comfort others who are suffering similar to,-or different sufferings from,- our own.
Being relieved of a measure of pain, we are able to credibly bring relief to others in their suffering. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 teaches this pain-relieving purpose of our own sufferings: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comforts, 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 were comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolations also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.”
2 Corinthians is a record of the apostle Paul’s sufferings. It begins with his admission of having almost given up life itself in the face of the many trials and tribulations he experienced during his missionary journey through Asia (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). The letter ends with his telling of a personal pain that did not leave him although he prayed for physical relief (2 Corinthians 12:7-12). Through such challenges, he rejoiced in the consolations he received from God that allowed him to carry on,- words of encouragement and relief that he has shared with very many others since.
Consolation is not cure. It is the comfort (or relief) that is received by someone who needs it to bear his pain or disappointment. The ultimate Comforter is our Father who knows our needs in every situation (Matthew 6:25-34, especially verse 32). The Giver of good and perfect gifts (James 1:17) will provide what is good for His people, particularly if they request in prayer (Matthew 7:7-11). However, answered prayers are never only for the receiver’s benefit, as Matthew 7:12 commands the receiver of God’s blessings: “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” This command requires those who are relieved, consoled or comforted by God to “pay it forward” by relieving, consoling and comforting other suffering persons. Incidentally, Matthew 7:12 mirrors the thought of the second part of the “great commandment” of Matthew.22:37-40 upon which also all the Law and the Prophets hang, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself..” (Matthew 22:39). After we have received a measure of relief, we should bring relief to those needing it, giving all glory to God who commanded us to do this good work (1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 5:14-16).
As a reminder to us, there are at least six categories of sufferers among us needing our consolation (Matthew 25:31-45): the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and the imprisoned. The sick and the imprisoned only needed to be visited to be relieved.
The seriousness of consoling others after we ourselves have been consoled is seen in the cautionary Parable of the Unforgiving Servant of Matthew 18:21-35, who would not write off a small loan owed to him after he had a far larger loan written off by his master. This was contrary to the basic principle of being a part of society; extend to others the courtesy and service you would want to enjoy from them!
Ultimate relief comes when we are occupants of the heavenly realm without taint of sin nor its consequences (Revelation 21:1-4; 22:14-15). Hence, consolation for suffering in this world would be meaningless without assuarance of salvation in the next. Indeed, salvation is paired with the consolation offered by the consoled (2 Corinthians 1:6 has two mentions of “consolation and salvation”). It follows that an ocassion to relieve someone from fleshly suffering must include the preaching of the gospel for the individual’s salvation from the eternal consequences of sin (Romans 3:23-26; 6:23). Suffering in this world is a ready topic for discussing about its total eradication in the next by the acquiring of personal salvation by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16).
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.