Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. (Romans 15:5)
When you think of God, what attributes immediately come to your mind? His power? His omniscience? Paul specifically highlighted two aspects of God that some believers may not immediately think of. God is patient and full of comfort.
He is the God of patience. In a world that moves at lightning speed and desires microwave results, God stands out as the God of patience. He doesn't rush us; He patiently waits for us to turn to Him, to learn, and to grow. It's through His enduring patience that we find the space to make mistakes and become better. As children of this patient God, we should be encouraged to show the same patience in our relationships with others.
He is also the God of comfort. Our Father doesn't just wait patiently; He also comforts us when we're struggling or hurting. In times of sorrow, stress, or confusion, He grants us comfort to do the uncomfortable and go through difficult situations. Because we have received His comfort, we're also called to share the same comfort with others. There are a lot of heavy hearts around us. That’s why our role as bearers of God's comfort is vital.
The verse tells us the importance of being like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus. This call to unity is a reminder that our shared faith in Christ should supersede our differences.
In our modern day of social media, it is easy to be quick to judge and criticize one another. Instead, Paul asked us to seek common ground in our love for Jesus and to act like our Father, with patience and consolation.
Practical Application
Seek opportunities to provide comfort to those you encounter. It might be a friend going through a tough time, a co-worker facing a challenge, or even a neighbor who could use a helping hand. A simple word of encouragement, a listening ear, or a small act of kindness can go a long way in sharing God's comfort with others.