2 Corinthians 1:3-7
The Apostle Paul has given his greeting for this second letter to the church at Corinth with the “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:2, NKJV). He then gives his blessing to the first place all blessings should go and from which all blessings come – to God. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who 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.” Paul adds a new layer of teaching to the church at Corinth with God being “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). Paul wants the congregation of the church at Corinth to be aware that they can turn to God to comfort them in times of suffering. In return, Paul also wants them to be aware that as they are comforted, they too can, through the comforting that they receive from God, learn how to comfort others in their times of suffering.
This is a promise that God will comfort us in times of suffering as we then should also comfort others in their time of need.
There are many people that refuse to believe in God because they believe that God should, in all His goodness, not allow evil and suffering in the world. The truth is, without evil and suffering in this world, we would find no reason to turn to God for anything because everything would all be good. But that is the goal; that is heaven, where all is good and righteousness. It is through our decisions in this world that determine if we spend eternity in heaven, where all is good, or in hell, where all is evil. Choose God today by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and live in the “all good” of heaven for eternity.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see that You sent Your one and only Son Jesus to save us from sin – to redeem us back to a right state with You so that You can be our Comforter. Please help us to see that Your desire for us is that we would turn to You in times of suffering so that You can comfort us and lead us through this world and into eternity where our reward will be realized in the good of heaven in Your glory – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.