"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."
In order for any of us to be effective churchmen, we need to have a base of comfort (or security). Without this, we will never endeavor to act on our faith (through God-honoring actions and words). This is why the Apostle Paul encourages the believers to know that they are loved by Him; and that they have received hope and grace in Christ.
If you are in Christ today, you are in a blessed position--whether you feel like you are, or not. May God make His face shine on you today.
[Puritan quote of the day: "A holy despair in ourselves is the ground of true hope." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Bruised Reed"]
