Paul writes in the beginning of 2 Corinthians about comfort in Jesus. We must also remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 10:34 and Luke 12:51 that He did not bring peace but division. So we cannot equate comfort with peace.

Paul tells the church that they have gone through many hardships.  He said they were under great pressure that was far beyond their ability to endure. “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God…”

What would happen if we relied on God instead of ourselves? Would the hardships be less? Paul also mentions that he suffered in Asia so much so that they despaired even of life. Is this hardship because Paul went to Asia when he wasn't supposed to go? See Acts 16:6,7.

“For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
What schemes? Satan's schemes are not always blatant and "in your face". Most often they are very subtle.  Paul says we are not unaware of his schemes which means we are aware of them but perhaps choose not to do anything about them resulting our own demise.

Chapters 2 and 3 contain some vivid contrasting images.
Smell of death - fragrance of life
Tablets of stone - tablets of human hearts
The letter (of the Law) kills - the Spirit (Jesus' ultimate sacrifice) gives life

"Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts."
Paul is speaking about the Jews.  They read the law but they are still looking for the conquering Messiah. However, when Jesus returns as the conquering Messiah. many Jews will see Him and believe.

Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication.  They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
We are constantly being transformed into the likeness of Christ, if we allow it and work toward it.

Paul writes about the ministry of reconciliation in Chapter 5.  While reconciliation means the restoration of friendly relations among people, it means so very much more than that! In the Hebrew language, reconciliation is a synonym for atonement.  So Paul is saying that we must restore and maintain friendly relationships with others, this is the ministry of reconciliation.  But it also means to proclaim Jesus who is our atonement for sins.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”
What an awesome responsibility and privilege!

In Chapter 6 Paul mentions "weapons of righteousness".  Would that the the sword of the Spirit - the Word of God?

“Therefore come out from them and be separate…”
When we step out of worldliness and into Godliness, we are different. This difference will attract others. We will be that "light" shining in the "darkness".

“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence to God.”
What contaminates body and spirit?  We are warned in Chapter 6 that light has no fellowship with darkness, there is no agreement between the temple of God and idols.  Pagan influences contaminate body and spirit.  Another example of food sacrificed to idols.

Concerning giving...
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  (A cheerful giver is a person who is delighted in giving.) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Notice all the "alls". The Scripture containing all the "alls" follows the Scripture containing words about giving cheerfully! Any connections???