II Corinthians 1-2

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us ... and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit ...” (1:21-22). Paul explained that God works in us and through us by the Spirit for one another’s benefit. When we are in distress, he comforts us “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (1:4). As the Body, we share both sufferings and comfort (7).

“On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers” (1:10-11). Through prayer and fellowship, we are ministers of God’s love and comfort to one another (2:7)