Consider the utter selfishness in having the peace that passes all understanding, and not sharing it with others. We will share recipes, funny memes, embarrassing video–and yet we keep our faith hidden. How shameful is it to see the despair and hopelessness among those who choose to live a lifestyle drowning in sin, and relish like the pharisees in the thought that we’re better than them? Scriptures like Philippians 2:4 teach that God never intended us to be self-seeking, and especially not with our Christianity:

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also forthe interests of others.

As a high school science teacher, I’m continually pointing out to my students the selfishness in understanding how to do something, but letting the person next to you sit in confusion. I try to instill in them a spirit of helpfulness, to seek out their neighbors who do not understand, and to be persistent in offering their assistance.

This is not second nature. It has to be taught and practiced. And like high school students, Christians sometimes get so caught up in our own daily lives and our own need for comfort and praise that we forget to share our peace in Christ with others.

This morning, BibleGateway.com posted 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 as their Verse of the Day, a gentle reminder that one reason God gives us comfort is that we may share it:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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 are comforted by God.