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In verses six to seven, Paul explains how God’s comfort enables us to conquer and share in our sufferings.

Paul had a radically different view of suffering. Suffering- especially trials associated with the advancement of God’s kingdom- is God’s way of allowing us to become more like Jesus, to suffer for the gospel just as Jesus suffered on earth.

Peter agreed with Paul: We should rejoice in their suffering, for in our own suffering we will in some small way experience what it meant for Jesus to suffer for their sins.

Suffering can also help us grow in our faith. God uses suffering for our individual edification. We must develop a mindset that suffering is required for spiritual growth.

Paul then says that suffering brings perseverance, which in turn will enhance our spiritual character.

2 Corinthians 1:6-7
6 If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.