Paul began his second letter to the Corinthians with words of blessing to the Almighty. He wrote:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
In the Greek, the phrase “Blessed be…” is basically identical to the thought “Let us give thanks…” We are truly to be thankful to God for all of the comfort and mercy He shows to us in our lives. David wrote, “As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:13). In fact, we need to be fully aware of dependence upon our Father.
The interesting aspect of this passage is how Paul reveals that God’s mercy enables us in our ministry to others! Paul had been delivered from many troubles in his ministry as an apostle. His message was, God has comforted me in my tribulations, therefore I bring comfort to you in turn.
This is something that all of us should strive for. We should seek to look outside of our own suffering. Such selflessness strengthens us, and will help us both to sympathize and to help others in their tribulation. We learn from our trials. They help us to be helpful!
