2Co 1:3-4, 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comfort by God.
One of the hardest things to do is to comfort those dealing with a loss especially of a loved one. What do you do or say to ease their pain they are experiencing? Someone’s presence can provide a small sense of comfort as I have witnessed. Comfort is the easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress. Comfort may not remove pain but alleviate it.
In this chapter Paul uses the word “comfort” at least 10 times with greater emphasis on “God of all comfort”. Many are the troubles and afflictions of the saints in this life, but it is the will of God that they be comforted: and the persons He employs and makes use of in this way are His ministering servants. He comforts by His presence, His word, in prayer and by the people He has comforted in their afflictions. Comfort stems from Him that in our distress we may be rescued, and when we are strong., we may rescue others. For Peter’s encouragement and comfort, Jesus spoke to him these words “…I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luk 22:32). He was comforted that with the same comfort he would strengthen brethren after being restored.