Today we are reading 2 Corinthians 1. Paul begins his second letter to the church in Corinth by emphasizing one of the key benefits of Christian fellowship. The keyword for this chapter is “pa-ra-klay-se-os”. The definition is “encouragement, consolation, comfort. It is the standing beside a person to encourage him when he is undergoing severe testing.” “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, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 This idea is one of the most beautiful qualities of Christian fellowship. When have you been strengthened by a Christian friend? How did that comfort help you? How is God calling to help someone who is going through severe testing? May God use you to reach out and encourage a fellow believer today! Pastor Tim
