By Michael C. Mack

1. Give an example of compassion you’ve seen lately. Or describe an example of someone who has given comfort to you.

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.

2. How did Paul describe God? Why do you think Paul chose those particular words?

3. Paul described what might be called “overflow” in our lives. God pours his compassion and comfort into us so that we may overflow that same compassion and comfort into others. How have you seen this principle lived out in your life, in your small group, or in your church? 

4. Why did Paul share with the Corinthians his and his team’s troubles? Why does God allow troubles in our lives?

5. How does God use our troubles to draw us closer to him? What’s an example from your own life?

6. Sometimes God delivers us from our troubles (v. 10) and sometimes he delivers us in our troubles (v. 4). What’s the benefit of each? 

7. How can your small group do a better job of sharing in one another’s sufferings? In comforting each other?

8. What role do our prayers for one another play in delivering us from our troubles? Close by helping one another through your prayers.

Michael Mack is the author of 16 small group books and discussion guides. He also leads church training events and consults with churches through his ministry, Small Group Leadership (www.smallgroupleadership.com).