3 He helps us every time we have trouble. Then we are able to be strong and help other people every time they have trouble. We can do this with the same comfort that God gives us.

4 We have plenty of the same troubles that Christ had. But we also have plenty of comfort and help from him.

5 When we have trouble, it is for your sake so that you will be helped and saved. When we are comforted, this helps you. Then you will stand strong when you have the same troubles we have.

6 Our hope for you is strong. If you have the same trouble we have had, then you will also have the same comfort and help we have. This we know.

7 Brothers, we want you to know about the trouble we had in the country of Asia Minor. We were not strong enough to carry such a load of trouble. It was so heavy we thought we would die.