Welcome back. We now enter the eighth book of the New Testament, 2 Corinthians, reading the first four chapters.
The first thing that captured my attention was the repetition with which Paul used the word comfort in 2 Corinthians 1:3–7. In just five verses, he uses this word nine times. It caused me to pause and contemplate why he was so focused on this. The word in Greek is paraklēsis, which means a Spirit-empowered encouragement or strengthening—not mere emotional ease, but divine fortification.
Comfort in Suffering
I have been in the presence of people suffering from a terminal illness. When the doctor told their family that at this point all he could do was make them comfortable, it was not the news they wanted to hear—but they were grateful for the comfort. Though the doctors often meant this in terms of anesthetizing the individual, Paul was not referring to narcotics.
Because Jesus Christ lived as a human and suffered all the things we could suffer—including the most horrific abuse and death possible—He is familiar with how that suffering feels, just as Isaiah said He would be (Isaiah 53:3–5). When we are going through suffering, whether physical or emotional, He can empathize with us, having experienced it Himself. He has sent us the Holy Spirit so that in these times of anguish, we can take comfort from Him (John 14:16–17). Knowing He is there with us in the pain strengthens our resolve to endure.
Consolation in Loss
For the family, when their loved one moves on to be with the Father, they take comfort—consolation—in knowing their suffering has ended and will never be felt again. How glorious and merciful God is in those moments to remove them from that torment (Revelation 21:4).
We see that, and we rejoice—even in our sorrows. But then there are those we know who refuse to accept Jesus as their Lord. Their pride and arrogant hearts refuse to bow to His Lordship (Romans 10:9). We know that minds too fragile to accept their need for a Savior will one day perish in eternal separation (2 Thessalonians 1:9). This causes us grief, but even in these moments, God offers us comfort in knowing that all suffering will be gone when we are in heaven with Him (2 Corinthians 5:1–5).
Strength to Move Forward
Because we tried so hard to reach them, we feel like we failed. But the Father assures us through the Holy Spirit that His ways are not something we will understand in this life (Isaiah 55:8–9). We feel discouraged—but only momentarily—as He emboldens us to move on. Not all will be saved, but we who belong to Him will find that comfort (2 Corinthians 1:5).
We won’t understand the purpose until we meet someone else going through the same anguish, and we can be a comfort to them. In that moment of heartbreak, we understood the purpose: we had been there before. It was not for us, but for them. Now, sharing in that pain, we can share with them the comfort the gospel can bring (2 Corinthians 1:6).
Perseverance Through Experience
In that quiet moment, we understood the steadfastness of God. Though He does not always remove the pain, He will always strengthen us to endure (2 Corinthians 1:7). Our perseverance comes from experience. Paul had suffered; he now understood the need to share the comfort the gospel provided him.
If you are suffering—whether physical, emotional, or financial hardships—you can know that our Lord understands your hurt. When you bring that to Him, He will comfort you (Hebrews 4:15–16). This does not mean He will remove it. There is a purpose in all suffering. But through that purpose, and for His glory, He will help you find solace.
Tomorrow, we will read 2 Corinthians 5-7.