Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Abounding Suffering and Consolation

2 Corinthians 1:3-7   
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 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. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.

God is a merciful and comforting Father.  He comforts us and shows us mercy so that we might be able to do the same to others in Christ.  Through Christ’s suffering in and through us therefore come His overflowing ability to console others who suffer as He and we do.  When we go through trials and suffering, it proves our salvation and equips us to endure and encourage others to endure with us.  We can comfort fellow believers in hope, knowing their future is sealed and the sufferings are Christ’s in us; in the end we will find eternal consolation, and this certain hope is God’s tangible comfort and mercy even now.

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