"All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, MSG).
Understanding is the key to compassion. Paul did see some purpose for his suffering; it was so he might experience the comfort that God gives to those who suffer and then offer it to others.
"Even spiritual comforts are not given to us for our use alone; they, like all the gifts of God, are given that they may be distributed, or become the instruments of help to others." (Adam Clarke's Commentary)
Understanding is the key to compassion. Paul did see some purpose for his suffering; it was so he might experience the comfort that God gives to those who suffer and then offer it to others.
"Even spiritual comforts are not given to us for our use alone; they, like all the gifts of God, are given that they may be distributed, or become the instruments of help to others." (Adam Clarke's Commentary)