“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.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Here Paul bursts forth in worship. The God who brings grace and peace is to be worshiped and praised. Then, first and foremost, is the recognition that a Christian’s comfort comes through the message of reconciliation with God through the work of Jesus Christ.
This Letter also shows how believers are agents of God’s comfort for others. Throughout this section, Paul uses the plural stylistically to speak of himself, making it easy to extend these truths to all Christians.
Comfort here means “exhortation,” “encouragement,” or “cheer.” Paul used this word ten times in the next five verses. Comfort is a primary purpose of our gathering in the church (and it is Paul’s subject in chapter 7). When they meet, believers should encourage each other in the faith. Since the comfort that God gives to us becomes a gift we can give to others, our willingness to share it reflects the sincerity of our faith.
Blessings on your day…