Paul writes 2 Corinthians to address some of the concerns and criticism raised as a result of his first letter, “not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” Paul had wanted to visit the ecclesia in person but had decided not to, wanting his visit to be one of gladness and joy rather than pain and anguish.
Despite the criticism Paul had faced, he still felt blessed and comforted by the hope he had in Christ. “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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction … For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too”.
Paul’s attitude is so incredible, finding comfort even in the sufferings he endured for the gospel. He reminds us that, no matter our circumstances, God will comfort us so that we in turn may comfort others. Paul’s trust in God remained certain. God had delivered Paul “from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.” Let us be comforted by Paul’s trust in God, and the certainty that we will be delivered from this present time of suffering just like Paul.