10TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

Blessed be the God . . . of all encouragement.

The Corinthians were upset with Paul. He had promised to visit them, but then decided not to (2 Corinthians 1:12-22). As a result, doubt and suspicion clouded their relationship with him. That shouldn’t surprise us, really. After all, Paul was writing to a people who were fallible, insecure, and eminently human—just like himself, and just like us.

Paul later explained why he had changed his plans (2 Corinthians 1:15-24). But first he focused on the goodness of God, assuring the Corinthians that he is “the God of all encouragement” (1:3). It’s almost like a drumbeat: Paul uses the words “encourage” or “encouragement” in every sentence (1:4-7). The Corinthians could rely on this, no matter what.

Paul could point the Corinthians to the goodness of God because he had experienced this truth himself. Facing constant threats to his life, he could feel “utterly weighed down” at times (2 Corinthians 1:8). Even his ruptured relationship with the Corinthians caused him great suffering. Having loved and cared for them for many years, he probably found it hard to be at odds with them now. But despite all of this, Paul drew comfort from his heavenly Father—the comfort that God offers us in every circumstance of our lives.

The Greek word translated in this passage as “encourage” means “to call by the side of.” When you face suffering, especially the hurt of a broken relationship, know that your heavenly Father is calling you to himself. He is waiting to wrap you in his arms and hold you close to his heart. The Holy Spirit comes alongside you too, to strengthen you, comfort you, and give you wisdom to navigate your difficulties.

Paul’s hope for this “coming alongside” was unwavering. It’s what helped him experience the Lord’s encouragement in his suffering. When you are hurt, even by your brothers and sisters in Christ, you can look to the Lord for comfort and encouragement as well. So seek out your Father and allow him to draw you to his side.

“Father, thank you for always coming alongside me.”

2 Corinthians 1:1-7
Psalm 34:2-9
Matthew 5:1-12