2 Corinthians 1:5, Sufferings of Christ

2 Corinthians 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

Sufferings can come to the Christian because of his faith in Jesus Christ. As he seeks to please Christ and do His will, sufferings can come perhaps as a result of persecution as in the experience of the Apostle Paul. He was not dismayed because he experienced the comfort and strengthening that Christ promised His disciples.

Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

The Apostle Paul explains the encouragement he receives from Christ in his lifetime when he expressed these words in 2 Timothy 3:10-12 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

The Apostle’s Christ is our Christ. His encouragement is our encouragement. Amen.