Sunday lesson

Series: What’s a New Testament Church Like?
Lesson Title: Relationships: The Integrity Factor
Date: Week of August 1
Lesson Passages: 2 Corinthians 1:3-12; 2: 14-17

Through this scripture we learn that God’s comfort is certain, even in the midst of difficult times. We don’t know the future or why things happen the way they do; but one thing is for sure; God is good, all-knowing and will never leave us.

God gives every believer a “ministry of comfort” to others. God intends that every blessing He grants to you becomes a resource through which you can help other people.

Questions:
1.      How did Paul respond to the painful accusations from phony believers who questioned his integrity?
2.      How does God’s comfort flow through believer to bless another believer? How does this process deepen relationships?
3.      Are we willing to face affliction with a different attitude after reading this lesson?

Revelation:
If we want to be able to touch the lives of others, we have to experience suffering ourselves. This is the purpose of God allowing us to suffer. He teaches us how to comfort others through His comfort to us. Often we reject God’s comfort because of pride; the pride that says we can do it alone. Don’t be afraid to reveal your needs to others so that you can experience God’s comfort through them.

The more we suffer for God, the more God will shower us with His comfort. God doesn’t comfort us to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters.

Homework:
If you have known suffering and have been able to overcome it, share your story with those who are grieving. Write a letter or call a friend with encouraging words.

Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for teaching us how to comfort others by the way you comfort us. Use us to touch the lives of others, even if we have to be taught through our own suffering. Continue to provide encouragement and strength to each of us through divine interventions in the midst of every trial we encounter. Lead us to those we can trust through their scent of knowing you. Let us follow Paul’s example of living with integrity. Amen.

(thanks to Kim!)