For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
As the sufferings of Christ overflow into believers through trial, reproach and opposition, comfort through Christ overflows in equal measure so that no sufferer is ever left without consolation. Such tribulation and temptation are to be expected as normal and not strange, including compassionate sorrow for sin and misery, grief over evil, unselfish service, persecution, discouragement and false charges. God as the Father of mercies and God of all comfort comforts His people in all tribulation so that, whether afflicted or comforted, their experience works for the consolation and salvation of others as they comfort others in any trouble with the comfort they received. Suffering need not be dreaded, for when the cup of suffering is placed to the lips the cup of consolation is always given with it to those whose minds stay upon God, and distress cannot separate them from His love but drives them to Christ as their only refuge. When trials are well and faithfully borne they purify character, deepen fellowship with Christ, increase love, confidence and trust in God, mingle sorrow with joy to His honor, and lead at last to a share in His glory.
Abounding Suffering and Comfort
As the sufferings of Christ abound in believers through trials, reproach, and opposition, consolation by Christ abounds in equal measure, so that sufferers are never left without comfort. Paul's severe pressure and discouragement did not leave him without comfort, for God's comfort sustained him in trouble. Tribulation and temptation from the enemy are to be expected as normal and not strange, as part of moral discipline necessary for complete spiritual education. Accepting Christ does not remove briers and thorns from the pathway, and believers must willingly be partakers with Christ in suffering.
The sufferings include compassionate sorrow for human misery and sin in sharing Christ's work for the lost. They include fierce opposition and grief over evil, and unselfish service that shares Christ's sympathies. They include the pressure of persecution and discouragement such as Paul's severe pressure, the burden of caring for the churches, outward dangers, inward fears, and false charges meant to undermine influence. Suffering need not be dreaded because when the cup of suffering is placed to the lips the cup of consolation is always given with it by Christ on condition of staying the mind upon God. Distress cannot separate believers from His love but makes them feel Christ alone is refuge and shelter and flee to Him.
When trials are well and faithfully borne they refine and purify character and bring closer fellowship with Christ. They bring rest, strength, and steadfast companionship in trial, and heal and strengthen by grace. Receiving this comfort increases love and confidence and trust in God, and sustains amid obstacles and discouragement. Sharing Christ's work brings sorrow and joy together with honor and praise to Christ, and leads to consolation and finally a share in His glory. Peter's experience witnesses to this, having endured suffering and received consolation until grace transformed him and made his hope of eternal life sure.
Comfort Received for Others
God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts His people in all tribulation so that those who are comforted are able to comfort others in any trouble with the same comfort they themselves received. As the sufferings of Christ abound in believers through the trials they endure, consolation by Christ abounds in equal measure, so that severe pressure and discouragement never leave them without comfort but sustain them to comfort others. This comfort and consolation in Christ is available for tempted and tried souls to enjoy, giving rest, strength, and steadfast companionship with Christ in trial.
Whether afflicted or comforted, the experience serves for the consolation and salvation of others, becoming effectual in enduring the same sufferings. Affliction and comfort both work together for this end, so that suffering is not wasted but ministers to others who pass through like trials. The same consolation is mingled with the work of warning and reproof that breaks down strongholds of iniquity, arouses conviction, and brings repentance when repentance reveals what sin really is. It is therefore to be borne to those who suffer wrong and are tempted to harbor and cherish a sense of injustice.
The verse stands as God's word to be heeded where many are assembled thinking a great work is being done, calling them to humble themselves before God and confess sins so He can impress the truth for this time upon their hearts.
As the sufferings of Christ overflow into believers through trial, reproach and opposition, comfort through Christ overflows in equal measure so that no sufferer is ever left without consolation. Such tribulation and temptation are to be expected as normal and not strange, including compassionate sorrow for sin and misery, grief over evil, unselfish service, persecution, discouragement and false charges. God as the Father of mercies and God of all comfort comforts His people in all tribulation so that, whether afflicted or comforted, their experience works for the consolation and salvation of others as they comfort others in any trouble with the comfort they received. Suffering need not be dreaded, for when the cup of suffering is placed to the lips the cup of consolation is always given with it to those whose minds stay upon God, and distress cannot separate them from His love but drives them to Christ as their only refuge. When trials are well and faithfully borne they purify character, deepen fellowship with Christ, increase love, confidence and trust in God, mingle sorrow with joy to His honor, and lead at last to a share in His glory.
Abounding Suffering and Comfort
As the sufferings of Christ abound in believers through trials, reproach, and opposition, consolation by Christ abounds in equal measure, so that sufferers are never left without comfort. Paul's severe pressure and discouragement did not leave him without comfort, for God's comfort sustained him in trouble. Tribulation and temptation from the enemy are to be expected as normal and not strange, as part of moral discipline necessary for complete spiritual education. Accepting Christ does not remove briers and thorns from the pathway, and believers must willingly be partakers with Christ in suffering.
The sufferings include compassionate sorrow for human misery and sin in sharing Christ's work for the lost. They include fierce opposition and grief over evil, and unselfish service that shares Christ's sympathies. They include the pressure of persecution and discouragement such as Paul's severe pressure, the burden of caring for the churches, outward dangers, inward fears, and false charges meant to undermine influence. Suffering need not be dreaded because when the cup of suffering is placed to the lips the cup of consolation is always given with it by Christ on condition of staying the mind upon God. Distress cannot separate believers from His love but makes them feel Christ alone is refuge and shelter and flee to Him.
When trials are well and faithfully borne they refine and purify character and bring closer fellowship with Christ. They bring rest, strength, and steadfast companionship in trial, and heal and strengthen by grace. Receiving this comfort increases love and confidence and trust in God, and sustains amid obstacles and discouragement. Sharing Christ's work brings sorrow and joy together with honor and praise to Christ, and leads to consolation and finally a share in His glory. Peter's experience witnesses to this, having endured suffering and received consolation until grace transformed him and made his hope of eternal life sure.
Comfort Received for Others
God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts His people in all tribulation so that those who are comforted are able to comfort others in any trouble with the same comfort they themselves received. As the sufferings of Christ abound in believers through the trials they endure, consolation by Christ abounds in equal measure, so that severe pressure and discouragement never leave them without comfort but sustain them to comfort others. This comfort and consolation in Christ is available for tempted and tried souls to enjoy, giving rest, strength, and steadfast companionship with Christ in trial.
Whether afflicted or comforted, the experience serves for the consolation and salvation of others, becoming effectual in enduring the same sufferings. Affliction and comfort both work together for this end, so that suffering is not wasted but ministers to others who pass through like trials. The same consolation is mingled with the work of warning and reproof that breaks down strongholds of iniquity, arouses conviction, and brings repentance when repentance reveals what sin really is. It is therefore to be borne to those who suffer wrong and are tempted to harbor and cherish a sense of injustice.
The verse stands as God's word to be heeded where many are assembled thinking a great work is being done, calling them to humble themselves before God and confess sins so He can impress the truth for this time upon their hearts.