Beholding the glory of Christ in the Scriptures by faith is the means God uses to conform our character to Christ's image.

The life of Christ within His church makes us 'living epistles,' indewlt by

the Spirit, Who has given us the life of Christ.

Paul provides an illustrative example on how to express concern (and

perhaps even some level of anxiety) for the church at Corinth while

remaining aware of and thankful for the provision of God in his life and

His work to sanctify us. He then describes how to life a God-ward,

Christ-centered life.

Forgiveness and restoration of repentant sinners is a hallmark of true

Christianity. Local churches are to exercise such grace toward any who

previously abandoned obedience to Christ, but have humbly returned to Him.

The plans of man are subject to the will of God. We are to serve the Lord

and His purposes as He allows, and to desire for our lives to be used by

the Lord to elevate others' joy in Jesus. True love doesn't avoid causing

necessary sorrow for others', true love is manifest in doing whatever it

takes to point people to Jesus.

Christians belong to "the God of all comfort" who "comforts us in all our

afflictions." His comfort is made available to us in Christ, and is most

accessible when we seek Him with His people, the church.