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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
All us suffer.
Comfort — 25.150παρακαλέωd; παράκλησιςa, εως f: to cause someone to be encouraged or consoled, either by verbal or non-verbal means—‘to encourage, to console, encouragement.’
2 Cor.1:3-5
1) Father of mercies / God of all comfort…
a. Jesus understands grief (Jn. 11:35) –
i. Shortest verse in Bible
b. Variety of emotions, sometimes contradict each other
c. May feel alone in grief, but do not have to be
2) …who comforts us…
a. people will search for comfort in all places, but only God can truly comfort those who mourn
3) …so that we might comfort…
a. mourning is not eternal
i. “And it came to pass…” / “This too shall pass…”