Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-4

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)

Paul the Apostle uses the word "comfort" five times in just these two verses. And if you read on, Paul will use the same word five more times in the next three verses making a total of ten uses in this small section. I generally tend to think that when the Holy Spirit is repeating a word, even twice, He is trying to get our attention — how much more ten times?!

The word used for comfort here is a special word — one actually used by Christ to describe Himself and the Holy Spirit.

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth…” (John 14:16–17)

Notice, Jesus said “another Comforter,” meaning both Himself and the Holy Spirit take this role in the life of the believer. And according to Paul’s benediction in verse 3, the Father takes this role as well as the God of all comfort. Praise be to God! The whole Trinity is involved in the comfort of your soul!

Perhaps a little more needs to be said about this word “comfort.” As westerners, we hold a completely different paradigm of understanding in the realm of comfort. We live more luxurious lives than King Solomon did in all his glory. Comfort to us may be understood in our minds as “leisure” or “without pain.” But is that the honest role of the God of all comfort? — to keep us relaxed and medicated? No — and praise God that it’s not that superficial. Comfort must not be confused with comfortable.

The word “comfort” means more literally: to come alongside of. It speaks of someone who takes on the role of assistant or a helping hand. The word may even be translated as encouragement. Our God, the God of all comfort, gives us His assistance and encouragement, not from trials and tribulations, but through them!

This may solve the mystery of the Apostle James’ words:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials…” (James 1:2)

Joy? Yes, joy! For the God of all comfort has come alongside of you to strengthen your feeble joints and lift up your head. He gives us beauty for ashes, singing for mourning; dancing for dredging; the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; perseverance for pity; and victory for victimhood.

With our God, we can be —

“…rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;” (Romans 12:12)

This is how the God of comfort transforms us in and through our trials. But perhaps the great beauty in this is less about how we are individually comforted and more about how God’s comfort equips us to comfort our brothers and sisters in Christ. Notice, Paul added an additional clause of purpose in his benediction:

“that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

It is not just our Triune God who takes on the role of Comforter, but we ourselves are to take on this role as well. Do you need comfort, Christian? Then lean on the everlasting arms of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you see a brother or sister in need of comfort? Then strengthen the hands which hang down (see Hebrews 12:12). The intimate interconnection of God and God’s people together create an ocean of comfort that allow us to endure trials we never thought we could, and to comfort others even in our own suffering.

Be comforted by God, therefore, and go comfort others in God.

“God… comforts the downcast… [and] we have been comforted in your comfort.” (2 Corinthians 7:6, 13)