For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings. … Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. … If we died with him, we will also live with him. … We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. … If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. … May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. … to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.

2Co 1:5; Pi 3:10, 1Pe 4:13, 2Ti 2:11, 2Co 4:10, Ro 8:17; He 6:17-18, 2Th 2:16-17, 1Th 3:2-3; Pi 3:8

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.