2 Corinthians 1-4

Today, we begin reading Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.  Apparently, his first letter to the troubled and lost people wasn't enough to convince them of the need to dig deeper in their faith.  In 2 Corinthians 1-4, Paul defends his words and pleads with people to believe that everything he does and says comes from the power of the Holy Spirit and Christ's love that is at work in him.  
The bottom line is this.  Paul is disappointed in people.  He explains,

4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.

2 Corinthians 2:4

We can all relate to the way Paul is feeling because we have all had to experience disappointment in loved ones at some point, right?  That's just part of our imperfect human love for one another.  

Paul's answer to this disappointment is more love, compassion and comfort.  
Where do we get the strength for that when we are so hurt, when our disappointment is so personal?  I think we can follow Paul's example.  He starts by praising God, the source of our strength and power.  He says,

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,4 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

Reading these words immediately brings peace to my soul and purpose to life.  God reminds us that we are never alone.  When we need compassion and comfort or when others need it, God is where we need to turn, first and foremost.  Praising Him is the start to our peace, day to day.

On a side note, it hit me today, yet again, how the Holy Spirit works in me as I read the Bible. How about you?  Sure, I am a busy woman with a million things to do.  But, every single time I take the time to read God's words, He fills me with his love and everlasting hope.  Just look at what He says….

20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 20-22

God promises us many things grounded in our belief and faith in Christ.  Think how much we are missing when we don't take the time to hear these promises.  

God is good for His word.

A prayer for today-

Dear Lord and Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your comfort and compassion.  Thank you for taking ownership of my heart.  I praise your Holy work in my life.  Through Christ, you make me perfect.  Fill me with your promises and show me how to share them with others.  Help me to offer your love, compassion, and comfort to those You purposefully place in my path.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,