SUMMARY: Share comfort
OVERVIEW: Paul reminds the Corinthians who God is and one purpose of suffering; he then begins the defense of his ministry.
BIG IDEA: God comforts us in our pain so that we can bring God’s comfort to others.
KEY VERSE: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (Paul praises God)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Remember who I am in times of peace. Remember who I am in times of trials or sufferings or persecution, for I do not change. I am the same God when you laugh, when you cry, in times of feasting, or famine. I am the Father of compassion. Turn to me when you are hurting or feel defeated. I am the God of comfort. Come to me when you’re in pain or feeling lonely. Put your hope in me, for I am reliable.
Receive my love. Soak in my grace. Swim in my healing waters. Be renewed and restored, for I have a plan for you. Take all you have received from me and share it with others. Look for those who now walk where you once hid, those who shout at others to hide their fear. Bring to them all that I gave to you. Hold nothing back. Share my grace freely, for I have more to offer. Give all my love away, and it will be restored. You will never lack my love, my hope, or my peace. Teach others to trust me and rely on me. Teach them that I am faithful.
NEXT STEP
Don’t hoard God’s comfort: share it. Who is someone you know who is struggling and can use a friend or compassion? Don’t try to “fix” the situation, but be available to him or her. If an opportunity arises for you to share your story or help in some way, be ready.
LYRIC VIDEO