"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, so that we may also comfort those who endure various afflictions, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Corinthians, ch. 1, verses 3 – 4*).
My first chemotherapy session took ten hours in a room with about twenty other patients. Besides the comfort my faith provided, the kind attitude I received from these people on my first day was a vivid lesson on the fruit of the Spirit.
A woman named Linda had been battling cancer for quite some time. When a nurse came to explain that her therapy hadn't been successful and she'd need to come back another day, Linda responded with a tired smile. Kindly and patiently, she said:
- I understand. These things happen.
She took her blanket and cane, preparing to leave. As she passed by me, something (perhaps the fear showing on my face) made her approach me and offer me the bracelet she was wearing. She said to me:
- I hope these two verses from 2 Corinthians bring you the comfort they gave me.
While I spent time in the hospital, doctor’s offices, treatment centers, operating rooms, and at home, I could look back and see Linda's face at the moment she gifted me with words from God's word. I never saw her again, but I felt the need to share about her and the gift of comfort that God gave me through this woman.
Link to the original article: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2023-02-13
*Biblical quotations are from the Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013