The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Paul's associate in this letter is Timothy. His readers are the Christians at Corinth and the surrounding province of Achaia which would include the groups at Athens and Cenchreae.

His prayer strikers a more personal note than usual. Instead of praise for the church. Paul thanks God for his special goodness during recent trials. His suffering has had two wholly good side effects: The experience of God's comfort in it all; a new ability to help and comfort those in similar circumstances.

Why?

The Lord and church and every believer are bounded in Spirit. For God os compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all out troubles.

When were distressed, it is others' comfort and salvation. All Christians share in others suffering, so also we share in this comfort.

For we have the same on Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. One is suffering the same as the other's suffering, the same as the comfort received from the Lord.

Our suffering and comfort are received through prayer. For we have one Spirit.

How?

Keep praying for those who under suffering, and praise the Lord who is the comforter to all of us.