Philippians 2:1 “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
When faced with life’s frequent troubles, setbacks, tribulations, heartbreaks, sins, etc., the Children of God are highly blessed to enjoy a “consolation in Christ” far more comforting than that of even our most dear human companions or friends. It is true that the word translated “consolation” has several meanings, but it is quite clear that the Translators were led to use the word “consolation” because it perfectly fits the context. Great volumes could be written, commenting on the “consolation in Christ”! Those who have ever been in situations where it seemed that surely, they would fall into awful ruin or even perish in the tragedy before them, but then the Lord sent His consoling Spirit and replaced the fear and anxiety with a peaceful sense of calm; they have experienced the “consolation in Christ”. Those who have not been perfect in their lives, that have sinned and are painfully ashamed of their sins, and sometimes late at night the shame of their sins rises up like a dagger in their heart; then the Lord sends His blessed consoling Spirit and assures them of His love for them and that He has paid their sin-debt; they have experienced the “consolation in Christ”. The broken hearted “publican” could give us a wonderful testimony, for he couldn’t even approach the Lord, but was so miserable in his heart that as he was “standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). But, after experiencing the “consolation in Christ” this dear Brother “went down to his house justified” (Luke 18:14)! There is indeed “consolation in Christ”; for, “The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalms 34:18)!