This Devotion is based on 2 Corinthians 1:2-4. We can be encouraged just as Paul encouraged the Church of Corinth. Paul writes,

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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.”

Firsthand experience of Grace, Peace, and Comfort

This passage is marked by a deep sense of God’s grace, peace, and comfort amid his struggles and trials, and in his calling and ministry.  Throughout his life, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles, including persecution, imprisonment, and physical affliction. Yet, through it all, he experienced firsthand the transformative power of God’s love and mercy (2 Cor 11:23-28)

 In times of hardship, he turned to God and found comfort in His presence. He understood the reality of suffering and the need for God’s presence and support in those moments. Paul’s words were not just empty platitudes or theoretical concepts but were grounded in his experiences of God’s faithfulness.

As a result of his experiences, Paul was uniquely qualified to communicate the message of grace, peace, and comfort to others. His message carried with it a sense of authenticity and credibility that resonated with his audience and continues to resonate with us today.

Assurance of Peace and grace

“Grace and peace” is a common phrase used in most of the NT books of the Bible, especially Paul’s epistles or letters.[1] It is more than a mere introduction or greeting. “Grace is a Divine favor shown to man, and peace is the state of spiritual well-being which follows as a result.”[2]

The order of the words never changes in all the uses. It is always “grace and peace.” It is never “peace and grace”. It signifies that because of God’s grace, we can enjoy peace, “peace with God as well as the peace of God, resulting in inner poise and tranquility [harmony], even amid the hardest experiences of life.”[3]  

Thus Paul reminds the church of God as the source of grace and true peace, even in the hardest of times. Peace even in the most troubling and difficult of situations. These are accepted by faith. It is no wonder we see Paul never complaining at once and having self-pity in his own experience. He wrote the book of Philippians from Prison, awaiting his persecution, yet the book’s theme is “rejoicing”. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men” (Phi 4:4)

Assurance of Comfort

Paul continues to describe the Father as the God of all comfort. “The ancient Greek word for comfort is paraklesis. It carries the meaning of not only soothing sympathy but of strengthening and making strong,” or brave. Here Paul simply tells us that God the Father is the source of all comfort, strength, and bravery.[4]

Godhead, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, is always present with us. “The Holy Spirit is our Paraclete (John 14:16, 14:26, 15:26, 16:7) and God the Son is our Paraclete (1 John 2:1, Hebrews 2:18, Luke 2:25). God, in every aspect of His being, is full of comfort, strength, and help for us.  We can turn to him in every situation, no matter big or small.”[5]

Gifts of Grace, peace, and Comfort not only for us

Finally, Paul explains that the comfort we receive from God is not just for our benefit. We are comforted so that we may be able to comfort others who are going through similar afflictions. As we share the comfort we have received from God, we become a source of encouragement and hope to those around us (1 Pet 4:15-16). This can only come from a heart that has experienced God and His Love. Learn more about “Love, the Heart Beat of Discipleship.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, 2 Corinthians 1:2-4 reminds us of the incredible gifts of grace and peace that we have received through faith in Jesus Christ. It also reminds us that in times of trouble or affliction, we can turn to God for comfort and support. As we share the comfort we have received from God with others, we become a source of encouragement and hope.

 Paul demonstrated this beautifully, since he has received such a blessing from God he encourages others and admonitions us to do the same. Whatever situation are in, let us look to God, reach out with the hand of faith, and claim His promises. Like Jesus sleeping peacefully, on a stormy night, God will keep us in perfect peace. He will comfort us as no one can.

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[1]             Ranko Stefanovic, Revelation of Jesus Christ: Commentary on the book of Revelation (Berrien Spring, MI: Andrews University Press, 2009), 65.

[2]             Robert H. Mounce, The Book of Revelation. New International Commentary on the New Testament, Vol. 7 (Grands Radis, MI: Eerdmans, 1977), 86.

[3]             Metzger, Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1993), 23.

[4] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-corinthians-1/

[5] https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-corinthians-1/