We all experience heartache and sorrow, setbacks and obstacles, and discomfort and sickness. When the people of Corinth experienced hardship, Paul wrote to Church members there to offer continued support and counsel. He testified of the comfort and peace available to them through Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 1:3–4). This lesson can help you to understand some of the ways God provides comfort to His children and to identify ways in which you can share His comfort with others.
Using objects and pictures. Some gospel concepts can be difficult to understand. Using objects and pictures can be an effective way to help students understand spiritual principles.
Student preparation: Invite students to think of different ways they receive comfort when things go wrong in their lives. If possible, encourage them to bring a picture or object that represents a source of comfort to them.
Possible Learning Activities
What brings you comfort?
If students were asked to do the student preparation activity, invite them to show the class the object they brought and explain how it brings them comfort.
What or who do you turn to for comfort during difficult times?
What or who gives you the most comfort? Why?
Make a list of current or future life situations that you might need help and comfort to get through.
Ponder the following questions:
Why can you trust that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will comfort you through the gift of the Holy Ghost during these times?
How well do you feel that you recognize and receive the comfort that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ offer through the Holy Ghost?
How might you be able to share the comfort They offer with others?
Search for answers to the previous questions as you study this lesson.
Paul wanted to comfort the Corinthian Saints in their trials
While in Macedonia, Paul received word from a disciple named Titus that his earlier letter had been received well by the Saints in Corinth (see 2 Corinthians 2:13; 7:5). Paul also learned of these Saints’ persistent challenges and wrote another letter (2 Corinthians) to offer them comfort and address their problems.
What do you remember about Corinth and the difficulties of the Saints there?
If students struggle to answer, remind them that Corinth was a large, rich city with a reputation for idolatry and immorality. The Saints there struggled to remain unified, accept God’s wisdom over false teachings, and keep the law of chastity.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:1–4, paying attention to how Paul opened his second letter to the Corinthian Saints.
Consider asking students to identify the names Paul used to refer to Heavenly Father and then write these names on the board.
What stood out to you in Paul’s introduction to the Saints?
What names or titles did Paul use for Heavenly Father that caught your attention?
What do those names or titles teach you about Heavenly Father?
Receiving comfort from Heavenly Father and helping others receive it
You may have identified a truth from verse 4 like the following: When we receive Heavenly Father’s comfort during our trials, we can better help others to also receive it.
As students are identifying the truth in 2 Corinthians 1:4, consider inviting them to compare this verse with Mosiah 18:8–10 and look for similarities.
Consider sharing the quote by Elder Gary E. Stevenson in the “Commentary and Background Information” section at the end of the lesson and ask questions like the following.
What do you think it means to “comfort them which are in any trouble”? (verse 4).
Why do you think this expectation for disciples of Jesus Christ?
When have you or someone you know received help and comfort from Heavenly Father during a trial?
What did you or they learn from that experience?
What do you think you can do to receive more of God’s comfort when you need it?
If students’ responses are not too personal, invite several students to share their experiences. It can be helpful for students to hear several ways Heavenly Father comforts us. Consider adding a personal testimony and personal experiences as well.
Read the following statement by President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985).
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President Spencer W. Kimball
God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom.
(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 82)
If available, watch the video “God Will Lift Us Up” (4:58) on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. It tells the story of a young woman named Brittany who found comfort in serving others and trusting in the Lord rather than focusing on her own medical condition.
Why do you think Heavenly Father often uses us to help others during their trials to feel of His love and comfort?
Think of someone you know who is currently experiencing a hardship. Prayerfully consider how you might help them feel the comfort Heavenly Father offers as you do the following:
Think about what you have learned from 2 Corinthians 1:1–4 that may help this person.
Read two or more of the following sets of verses, which contain Paul’s additional teachings to the Corinthians about trials. Find a phrase or verse you feel would be meaningful to the person you chose.
Do something now to help this person feel Heavenly Father’s comfort. Consider praying for them like the Corinthian Saints prayed for Paul (see 2 Corinthians 1:11). In addition, you could write this person an encouraging message like Paul did to the Corinthians, although your message may be a text, email, or note instead of a letter. (Consider including what you learned in this lesson from 2 Corinthians 1; 4 as well as any personal experiences that could help.)
Make additional plans to help this person. Heavenly Father may prompt you to take additional actions, like visiting them or serving them in some way. Be sure to write down any plans you think of in a place where you will be reminded to follow through, like in your calendar, on your smartphone, or on a piece of paper you will look at later.
After giving students sufficient time, invite them to share one thing they plan to do to help the person they thought of. Though it may be appropriate for students to share about the general trial or circumstance of the person, remind them not to share who the person is or be so specific that other students could easily guess who it is.
Testify of the principles taught in this lesson and encourage students to follow through with their plans to comfort someone else.
Commentary and Background Information
2 Corinthians 1:4. Why does the Lord expect me to reach out and comfort people in need?
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught the following:
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Elder Gary E. Stevenson
From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do. … Whenever our neighbors are in distress temporally or spiritually, we run to their aid. We bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. We mourn with those who mourn. We comfort those who stand in need of comfort. The Lord lovingly expects this of us. And the day will come when we will be held accountable for the care we take in ministering to His flock.
(Gary E. Stevenson, “Shepherding Souls,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 111)
2 Corinthians 4:17. What did Paul mean when he referred to our mortal challenges as a “light affliction”?
Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Presidency of the Seventy taught:
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Elder Paul V. Johnson
In the midst of problems, it is nearly impossible to see that the coming blessings far outweigh the pain, humiliation, or heartbreak we may be experiencing at the time. … The Apostle Paul taught, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” [2 Corinthians 4:17]. It is interesting that Paul uses the term “light affliction.” This comes from a person who was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and who experienced many other trials. I doubt many of us would label our afflictions light. Yet in comparison to the blessings and growth we ultimately receive, both in this life and in eternity, our afflictions truly are light. …
Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.
Invite students to find other accounts in the scriptures or from Church history that show that Heavenly Father can provide comfort. For example, students could summarize the account in the Book of Mormon when the Lord eased the burdens of Alma’s people while they were in bondage to the Lamanites (see Mosiah 24), or they could discuss how the Lord comforted Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail (see Doctrine and Covenants 121). Give students time to search the scriptures and other resources before they share.
Consolation through Jesus Christ
After students are asked why they feel Heavenly Father often uses us to comfort others, consider reading 2 Corinthians 1:5–7 with students and inviting them to search these verses for another source of comfort provided by Heavenly Father: the Savior Jesus Christ. Ask students why they feel Jesus Christ is such a powerful source of consolation when they experience trials. Consider inviting students to compare these verses with Alma 7:11–13.