NOTES for Co2 1:1-7

Paul calls the Lord “the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort,” beginning his letter to the Christians of Corinth with precisely this. Apparently, the apostle considered it extremely important to begin his letter with this particular description of God. These few verses reveal the whole essence of how people in this world are connected through mutual consolation.

Christ comforts us in our sorrows so that we may do the same for those around us who need it. Paul calls us not to shut ourselves up in our sufferings, but to seek comfort from God, who alone can deliver us from them, and at the same time to seek those to whom we ourselves can bring His love. By giving what we have freely received from the Lord, we lose nothing but gain a great deal, becoming part of the circulation of His mercy toward people. Is this not what the example of all Christian saints bears witness to?