2 Corinthians 7

V. 4-7, Comfort in persecution

Being a parent, I can relate to what Paul is telling the church of Corinth in these 4 verses. He had been going through some personal struggles yet when Titus reported good news back to Paul about the church of Corinth it put a smile on his face. I believe the reason that it did is because he loved these people like they were his own children, on several occasions he compared his love for them like that of a father towards their child on several occasions. I know in my personal life there is nothing that can turn a frown upside down like my kids. No matter how sick you are or how destitute things may seem to you children has a way of brightening your day with a simple smile on their face. Knowing that the church of Corinth had listened to his first epistle and had started turning many things around gave him both comfort and encouragement.

Paul had come under some major persecution in Macedonia yet in hearing of the report he said that it gives him encouragement and comfort. Paul says that the source of his comfort is from God, who comforts the downcast. I still find it amazing in my life to have comfort when I should be falling part. There have been times in my life when literally it was all falling apart, and I could feel the peace and comfort of God all around me. The Holy Spirit can wrap His arms around us in our time of need and give us peace and comfort that surpasses all understanding. This is the kind of comfort that Paul experienced in the face of persecution and it is the same comfort we can have no matter what we are experiencing in life.