Able To Comfort

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

The word, “comfort” is used five times in the above two verses. In the Bible, any repetition of a word, phrase, or theme is intended to add weight, significance, and importance to the subject matter at hand.

We discover in these verses that God is the God of all comfort. He comforts us during times of tribulation and troubles. We are to learn comfort from God so as to be able to give comfort to others in the same manner and fashion as it was received.

Comfort is an ability. We must be able to be comforted, as well as being able to comfort. So what exactly is this ability that is to be given and received?

The Greek root word for comfort is “Parakaleo”. It is a compound of, “para” meaning beside or near and, “kaleo” meaning to call or invite, usually in a loud voice. To comfort someone is to call them over to you so as to console, encourage and strengthen them. It is implied (loud voice) that there is a distance between you and the other person, that they have been cut off or isolated.

Just by the very nature of troubles and tribulation; what they are, their cause and effect will often time prompt those in dire straits to disengaged and dissociate from those closest to them as well as the world around them. This is when they need Godly comfort the most.

Mercy is a product of God’s will. God’s comfort comes from His mercy. Comfort is actionable and comes in the form of such things as compassion, forgiveness, and forbearance.

Think of the times that God has called you. Your thoughts of Him and the need for Him during times of difficulty and crisis isn’t by accident. If we don’t come to Him, God certainly can stir and motivate our spirit so as to go to Him. We often forget the spiritual bond we have with God and that bond works both ways. God doesn’t always idly sit by waiting on us. Sometimes He inspires us to come to go to Him. Never forget that.

God uses the good and the bad to our advantage, for our spiritual upbringing, and most of all for our salvation. We need to stay in constant communication with God to know and understand what to do at all times, be they good or bad. And if for some reason we find that the communication between us and God has been cut off, then God has done it purposely. Just remember, everything God does for His elect is done for our advantage, upbringing, and salvation.

Now the Apostle Paul teaches us that what God does for us, in giving mercy and comfort, we are to do likewise for other people. This is one of the most basic and most significant God principles there is. We are to do unto others as God does to us.

The Golden Rule is based on the idea that we are to treat others as God treats us.

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

The Great Commandment is based on loving God and in turn, loving your neighbor with that same Godly love.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)

God’s grace is to be received and utilized, but it is never meant to be retained and kept to yourself. God’s grace is to be freely given! The miracle of God’s grace is that the more you give to others, the more God supplies you afresh with new grace. God’s grace is just like Jesus with the five loaves of bread and the two fish (Matthew 14:13-21 and Luke 9:12-17). The food was freely given to the masses. Not only did thousands of people eat till full, but their remained 12 baskets full of the leftovers.

Another good example is the parable of the talents (Matthew 25: 14-30 and Luke 19:12-27). He who was given the most talents (money) and put it to good use was rewarded. He who was given the least and did nothing but hold onto it and was punished.

“The grace of our Lord was (is) exceeding abundant” (1 Timothy 1:14a). In other words, there is always an excess of God’s grace! So we are always able to comfort a brother or sister. We can’t run low or run out of it. Put it to the test. You will discover that no matter how you feel, no matter how unqualified you think you may be, that you will always be able to aid and comfort those who are in need.

There are a few things worth noting before I go. Notice Paul tells the Corinthians that God is the “God of all comfort”. This means that there is no situation where God’s comfort and grace can’t abundantly supply for the need. We have access to all the encouragement, strength, love and mercy that could ever be needed or used.

Also notice that we are able to comfort folks that are, “in any trouble”. Put stress on the word, “any”.

Isn’t God great? He gives us an exceeding abundant amount of grace in the form of comfort to be used to help others with any trouble they may be experiencing! Wow!

Bill Hitchcock