What other scriptures emphasize sharing in both sufferings and comfort? Setting the Scene • 2 Corinthians 1:7 breaks into three short statements: – “And our hope for you is sure,” – “because we know that just as you share in our sufferings,” – “so also you will share in our comfort.” • Paul ties two experiences together—suffering and comfort—then assures believers they will taste both. Scriptures That Link Suffering with Christ – “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection” – “and the fellowship of His sufferings,” – “being conformed to Him in His death.” – “And if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ,” – “if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.” – “But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ,” – “so that you may be overjoyed at the revelation of His glory.” • 2 Timothy 2:3 – “Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” – “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you,” – “and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,” – “for the sake of His body, which is the church.” Texts Highlighting God’s Comfort – “Blessed be the God … 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 have received from God.” • Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” • 2 Corinthians 7:4 – “In all our troubles my joy overflows.” – “And after you have suffered for a little while,” – “the God of all grace … will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” • Romans 15:5 – “Now may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you unity …” Bearing One Another’s Burdens – “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak” – “and not to please ourselves.” – “so that none of you would be unsettled by these trials.” – “For you know that we are destined for them.” • Practical thread: those who know Christ’s comfort step in to shoulder the hardships of others. How the Passages Fit Together • Suffering is not random; it welds believers to Christ and to one another. • Comfort is not merely personal relief; it is divine strength received so it can be shared. • The more we participate in Christ’s sufferings, the more capacity we gain to dispense His comfort. • Every reference above circles back to 2 Corinthians 1:7: shared pain, shared consolation, shared hope. Living the Truth Out Loud • Expect both hardship and help—Scripture guarantees each. • Lean into the fellowship of believers; God often wraps His comfort in human hands. • Offer the same encouragement you have tasted; it is the Lord’s chosen cycle for sustaining His people. |
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