2 Corinthians 7:4
Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
Paul spoke with great boldness toward the believers and gloried greatly in them, expressing full confidence in them and rejoicing over them. He declared himself filled with comfort and overflowing with joy, exceedingly joyful even in the midst of severe tribulation. That tribulation included the hardships of missionary labor and the trials brought upon him by false brethren. These sufferings he met cheerfully, without dwelling upon the wrongs and abuses he had endured.
Such happiness did not depend on being free from suffering, but came from directing all his energies toward preparation for the future immortal life. The same abundant comfort and joy remain possible amid tribulation for those who walk in wisdom's ways, for the One they love walks unseen beside them. As they walk with Him they recognize His care more and more and catch glimpses of heavenly glory on life's upward path. The chapter containing this declaration is recommended for careful study.